Blackapple Limited as part of its corporate policy considers Community Affairs, Safety, Health Environment, and Security issues to have equal status with other business objectives.

Every Blackapple Limited employee must perform his or her activities in accordance with the CASHES Policy. Every Employee is responsible for their own safety and that of their colleagues at work.

The activity must be suspended when the employee believes that it cannot be carried out in accordance with the policy and must report the same immediately to his/her supervisor.

Therefore, effective project planning and considerations with specific relevance to the protection of life, property, and environment are official issues of concern in its project execution and implementation criteria through:

• The elimination of all forms of Hazards and the preservation of the Health and Safety of its employees, sub-contractors, and third parties. A full complement of Health and Safety related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Life Vests, Rain Boots, Hard Hats, Coveralls, Hand Gloves, and Safety Shoes are also available to Blackapple Limited staff members involved in her operational activities.
• Maintenance of plant and equipment in safe and proper condition
• Investigation of any accident to ascertain causes in order to eliminate them and forestall future reoccurrence.
• Issuance of strict compliance of its sub-contractors with the terms of this policy. Recognition of excellence in safety and the provision of a safe and secure work environment.
• Establishment of a good rapport/relationship with members of the host communities and other persons that may be affected by Blackapple Limited’s activities.

A stipulated penalty in accordance with the company’s regulation shall be employed, should there be a violation of CASHES Policy.

1.1 HEALTH POLICY

Delivering on some projects may result in occupational illness. It is therefore essential that early recognition of health hazards is established, monitored, and controlled. Blackapple Limited adopts a policy that all activities shall be planned and executed in a manner that preserves the Health of all Company personnel, while it is focusing on a workforce that is well-equipped mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Much emphasis is laid on the medical fitness of employees and we maintain a practice of certification of personnel to be recruited in the course of the project. All such medical examination is normally carried out at Government approved hospitals. In addition, we intend to maintain a high standard of health in our work site viz.

• The health of all employees shall be monitored on regular basis.
• Analysis of accident and sickness incidents shall be routinely performed to identify harmful operational practices and the necessary corrective action implemented.
• Staff will be stationed in a decent accommodation, which should be not too far from the work site. In addition, care should be taken to guard against insect bites that could lead to deadly diseases.
• Spoking in the operational restricted areas (on company transport and in public places, corridors, meeting rooms, and shared offices unless otherwise agreed by the occupants of such offices) is prohibited.
• An approved First Aid Box shall be provided which an experienced First Aid shall administer.
• Provision of clean, clear drinking water will be made from the nearest portable drinking water source. For the provision of hygienically prepared meals, a break time arrangement shall be made available.
• For convenience, hygienic toilet facilities shall be provided at the work location.
• Mechanically sound staff bus will be stationed at the site for the purpose of conveying workers TO and FRO work.
• Blackapple Limited recognizes the threat to personnel from HIV/ AIDS and to minimize its occurrence shall:
  • Conduct seminars to improve the general awareness of staff and dependents.
  • Offer support and counseling to staff who are HIV positive and/ or develop AIDS.
  • Not discriminate against HIV/ AIDS sufferers regarding terms and conditions of employment.

Blackapple Limited encourages employees to participate in voluntary first-aid training. The company places great emphasis on the promotion of the total health concept and the protection of workers.

1.2 SECURITY POLICY

Blackapple Limited is aware of the current threat facing Oil and Gas operations within the span of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To ensure that the company continues to carry out its activities there is a need to assess the relevant security threats and identify mitigating measures. To this end Blackapple Limited shall:

• Collaborate with Clients, host communities, and relevant government agencies whenever there are security threats in order to calm the situation.
• Identify the actual host community through our client to avoid conflicts.
• Interface with our client as backup on security issues.
• Define the procedures and responsibilities for the engagement of security operatives.
• Report all known criminal offenses to the Ethics and investigation department for investigations.
• Set up an investigation by Blackapple Limited as applicable.
• Compile investigation reports and submit them to the MD/CEO and Head-Site Operations for further action.
• Comply with contingency arrangement in place.
• Engage the services of private security agencies if the NPF is not accessible. Such engagement must be formal.
• Engage staff in security awareness as a key area of daily pep talk sessions.

1.3 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Blackapple Limited is aware of the dangers inherent in the consumption/ misuse of drugs and alcohol and frowns at such use. The following are the guidelines that will guarantee the implementation of the policy:

• To this end, the management of Blackapple Limited shall ensure that:
• All newly recruited staff undergoes a medical test.
• The risks associated with the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other related beverages are identified and communicated to the workers in order to drastically reduce the effects on
• Surveillance is put in place to search workers/ all visitor’s luggage, in control or eliminate the introduction of drugs, alcohol, and other related beverages to the work site.
• Any employee found in possession of drugs or alcoholic beverages shall be sanctioned consequently for the offense.
• Warning signs shall be placed at strategically designated locations, to warn against the use/ sale of the aforementioned.
• The legal implication of  the use of  drugs and  alcoholic beverages will be continuously communicated to the workers, for learning and implementation.

1.4 EMERGENCE RESPONSE POLICY

Blackapple Limited is aware of uncertainties that may occur, while carrying out operational activities and for this reason, is determined to:

• Ensure that PPE is handed out to all Blackapple limited staff at the commencement of every Project.
• Put in place controls to mitigate the occurrence or re-occurrence of emergency situations.
• Intervene as quickly as practicable to stop any activity that might trigger emergencies.
• Demonstrate efforts that will save lives, protect properties, care for the injured, and dialogue to keep operations to normal.
• Report to legitimate organizations and agencies that will mediate to assist in emergency situations.
• Ensue, victims, are managed in line with medical ethics.
• Interface with our client to ensure joint efforts in cubing emergencies. Train staff to know procedures during emergency situations.
• Comply with the contingency plan for emergency response. Provision of standard First Aid kit and other related first-level medical resources on every site.
• The welfare matters will always be given full priority by BLACKAPPLE management
• The lives and properties will be given the highest priority by BLACKAPPLE Management.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICY

It is the policy of Blackapple Limited that all jobs planned and excluded by this Company, will attain the utmost level of quality. Quality legislation or this policy shall be governing all operations where no such legislation exists. Quality procedures have been drawn up for all operations and  departments within Blackapple Limited. This policy is under a continuous process of evaluation and improvement. All jobs must be executed in a manner that complies with safety and environmental policies.

As far as possible, all departments within Blackapple Limited will:

• Ensure that all work materials are of reasonable quality.
• Provide instructions and supervision, to ensure quality jobs are executed at all times.
• Maintain all work sites in a clean and orderly manner

1.6 PPE POLICY STATEMENTS

Blackapple Limited is commitment implement protection of personnel, client, and contractors through the following measures:

• Plan periodic issuance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This can be achieved through the HSEOs.
• Ensure proper tracking and numbering of Blackapple Limited PPE before and after allocation to staff
• Put in place criteria for re-issuance of worn-our or lost PPEs
• Ensure that PPEs issued to staff are recorded on the PPE issuance records.
• Put in place consequence management against defaulters on the use of PPEs while at work.
• Standardize the PPE issuance as a mark of identity to Blackapple Limited staff.
• Ensure contractors provide PPEs to their staff while working for Blackapple Limited.
• Ensure Clients comply with Blackapple Limited PPE policy.

1.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

The Blackapple Limited Waste Management Policy is designed to ensure that effective management is undertaken on all Blackapple Limited sites which will ensure compliance with all waste management legislation as well as introduce waste minimization objectives where practicable. As such in showing commitment to the above Blackapple Limited shall:

Ensure that all practical and reasonable measures shall be taken to minimize the generation of waste and to manage and dispose of unavoidable waste in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Ensure that the eventual disposal of water, soil, and possible effluents is compatible with the environment and in line with national regulatory standards and international standards.

Preserve the natural environment by preventing/ minimizing environmental nuisance and disturbances to the natural ecosystem.

1.8 SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is not only injurious to health but also a potential safety hazard; smoking in public exposes non-smokers to health-related hazards, and it is the responsibility of Blackapple Limited to protect employees from such hazards.

As a policy, the smoking of pipes or cigarettes is and shall remain prohibited at all oil installation sites.

The no smoking rule shall be observed in conference/ meeting rooms, corridors, public areas, and shared offices, unless otherwise agreed upon between all occupants of such offices.

1.9 SAFETY POLICY

It is the responsibility of Blackapple Limited to carry out its business activities in such a manner that no fatality or serious injuries or damage to property arises there. Every necessary step shall be taken to safeguard work including third parties.

Positive attitudes to safety shall be rewarded and negative ones frowned upon. Detailed safe work procedures must be put in place and site management held accountable for site implementation.

In order to ensure an enviable performance, the following strategies will be adopted:

1. The continuous identification of accident causes.
2. The control of accident causes.
3. The minimization of accident losses.

While the overall responsibility for safety rest at the highest management level, all individuals at every level have responsibilities for carrying out that policy. Hence, employees should report a potential hazard, and observe safety rules, procedures, and codes of practice. It will be reviewed when necessary. We shall operate from the concept that ALL ACCIDENTS ARE PREVENTABLE.

This policy shall be communicated to all employees of the company and its suppliers, and to all third parties with whom the company may be associated.

1.10 SUBCONTRACTING POLICY

Any third party hired by Blackapple Limited to participate or for the purpose of supplies shall be referred to as a subcontractor. Such contractors shall be audited on HSE, financial capability, and legality of their operations as well as a quality standard.

The contractors that meet the required standards shall be considered for third­ party services.

Strict adherence to the above-stated requirements shall be always ensured, as violation will result in the termination of the subcontracting  relationship.

1.11 EMPLOYEE INDUCTION AND DRIVING POLICY

It is the responsibility of Blackapple Limited to ensure that all drivers engaged in its service are trained and certified.

Certification as per defensive course 1/journey management, Vision (PCG) Tests, Driving Skills Test, and Issuance of Driving Permit and Licensing by the Local Authority are pre-requisite for employment and confirmation thereafter.

All newly  employed  drivers  are  to  go  through Blackapple Limited’s induction/ orientation before being allowed to drive.

Any violation of the code of conduct as may be spelled out in all the applicable policies and or regulations associated with safe operational performance shall and would attract a severe penalty.

We shall operate from the viewpoint that about 98% of the total road accident are due to carelessness and recklessness on the part of the drivers that could be avoided, should carefulness be occupied.

1.12 TRANSPORT & JOURNEY MANAGEMENT POLICY

Blackapple Limited is committed to operating a safe transport system within its operations.

To actualize this commitment, Blackapple Limited shall ensure that all transport facilities and equipment are adequately maintained. All Journeys involving Blackapple Limited vehicles or personnel shall be regulated, appropriately authorized, adequately planned, and controlled to eliminate or reduce hazards associated with transport activities.

The provisions of the Blackapple Limited transport and Journey Management procedure are an extension of this policy and shall be strictly adhered to. In addition, all Blackapple drivers are required to bey all National Highway and Maritime Codes and regulations always.

Night Driving and Night Sailing (where applicable) are strictly prohibited in company operations except on essential duties or in emergencies and such journeys must be authorized by a higher authority.

The implementation of this policy is a direct responsibility of the line Management and all company employees. Appropriate Consequence Management Rules shall be applied for any case of breach of the provisions of this policy and the transport and Journey Management Procedure.

The management of Blackapple is strongly committed to this policy and the responsibility it implies. It shall be made available on the company premises.

It is the Company’s aim to revise and improve the consent of this policy and its application in the company operations.