Code of Conduct of KERN s.r.o.

Introduction

In our business activities, we comply with applicable legal and ethical standards. We are aware of our responsibilities towards employees, customers, business partners, the public, and the environment. Therefore, we promote a corporate culture based on trust, responsibility, open communication, fair conduct, and mutual respect.

This Code of Ethics is based on the principles of honesty, loyalty, personal responsibility, and respect for other people and the environment. It defines the fundamental rules of conduct for KERN s.r.o., its employees, management, and all other persons acting on its behalf.

We also expect compliance with this Code from our suppliers, contractors, and other business partners. Respect for legal and ethical principles is considered the foundation of long-term and responsible cooperation.

In the event of differences between legal requirements, customer requirements, and internal company rules, the stricter requirement shall apply.

Company Values

Trust, reliability, responsibility, customer focus, teamwork, and continuous improvement are the values that shape the identity of KERN s.r.o. and form the basis of our daily decision-making and conduct.

We strive to build long-term relationships based on professionalism, mutual respect, and a responsible approach to all areas of our business.

Working Conditions and Human Rights

We value our employees and respect their human rights, dignity, and equal opportunities. Teamwork, safety, and open communication are the foundation of the company’s success.

KERN s.r.o.:

prohibits all forms of forced, illegal, or exploitative labour,
does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, or racism,
does not employ children and complies with the minimum employment age established by legal regulations,
does not allow young workers to perform hazardous work, night work, or excessive overtime,
respects employees’ rights to freely associate and communicate with company management without fear of discrimination or retaliation,
respects employees’ rights to leave the workplace after working hours and to freely terminate employment in accordance with applicable laws.

Employment relationships are governed in compliance with applicable legal regulations and internal company rules.

The company ensures:

fair and timely compensation of employees,
compliance with working time, break, and rest period regulations,
voluntary overtime work,
transparent working conditions,
the company does not use corporal punishment, psychological or physical coercion, threats, or any degrading disciplinary practices,
all disciplinary procedures are fair, proportionate, and in compliance with legal regulations,
employees are not subject to unauthorized wage deductions as a disciplinary measure,
the company complies with legal limits regarding working hours, overtime, and rest periods in accordance with applicable regulations.

We support active employee involvement in company improvement, provide regular feedback, and create a working environment based on mutual trust and respect.

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational health and safety are among our highest priorities and an integral part of all our activities.

KERN s.r.o.:

identifies and evaluates workplace risks,
implements measures to prevent occupational injuries and diseases,
regularly trains employees in occupational health and safety,
verifies the effectiveness of training and safety measures,
provides personal protective equipment free of charge,
ensures the availability of first aid equipment,
conducts emergency drills,
analyses workplace accidents, incidents, and near misses,
implements corrective and preventive actions,
ensures safe storage, handling, and labelling of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Employees are informed about safe working procedures, workplace risks, and risk management rules in a language they understand.

Employees are encouraged to actively participate in improving workplace safety and to report risks without fear of retaliation.

The company also ensures hygienic working conditions, access to drinking water, adequate sanitary facilities, and suitable conditions for personal hygiene and meals.

Environmental Protection

We view environmental protection as part of responsible business conduct and sustainable long-term development.

We strive to minimize the negative environmental impacts of our activities and maintain good relationships with the public and local communities.

KERN s.r.o.:

complies with environmental legal requirements,
obtains necessary environmental permits and fulfills related obligations,
monitors the environmental impacts of its activities,
supports waste prevention and recycling,
handles waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials responsibly,
strives to reduce air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions,
supports efficient use of energy, water, and natural resources,
promotes the use of renewable energy sources,
supports pollution prevention and minimization of environmental risks in all activities,
strives for responsible sourcing of raw materials and limitation of materials originating from conflict or unethical sources.

Business Ethics

KERN s.r.o. rejects corruption, bribery, and any unethical or illegal business practices.

We act honestly, respectfully, and in compliance with competition laws in relation to competitors. We support a transparent and responsible business culture.

We uphold a fair approach toward business partners and ensure proper fulfillment of our commitments.

The company neither accepts nor provides improper advantages, gifts, or other forms of conduct that could influence independent business decision-making. The company does not support cartel agreements, market manipulation, or other unfair competition practices.

KERN s.r.o.:

maintains business, accounting, and operational records truthfully, accurately, and transparently,
protects confidential information, trade secrets, personal data, data security, and intellectual property,
protects company assets from misuse,
prevents conflicts of interest,
supports responsible and ethical business conduct,
employees are required to report potential conflicts of interest that could affect their independent decision-making,
the company regularly trains employees in ethics, legal compliance, and responsible business conduct.

Employees are required to act in the best interests of the company and avoid conduct that could damage the reputation of KERN s.r.o.

Whistleblowing

We support open communication and enable employees and other persons to report:

violations of legal regulations,
unethical conduct,
violations of this Code of Ethics,
safety or environmental risks.

Whistleblowers are protected against any form of retaliation or discrimination. Any retaliation against whistleblowers acting in good faith is prohibited.

The identity of whistleblowers is protected in accordance with applicable laws and internal company rules.

All reports are assessed confidentially and impartially.

Supply Chain Responsibility

KERN s.r.o. expects its suppliers, contractors, and other business partners to comply with applicable laws, principles of responsible business conduct, and ethical standards.

The company’s requirements for the supply chain are defined in detail in a separate document titled “Supplier Code of Ethics of KERN s.r.o.” Compliance with this document may form part of supplier and business partner evaluations.

Compliance Management and Continuous Improvement

KERN s.r.o. continuously evaluates risks, implements measures to improve its processes, and ensures compliance with legal, safety, environmental, and ethical requirements.

Company management appoints responsible persons for ethics, occupational safety, environmental protection, and compliance with legal requirements.

Management supports the active implementation of this Code of Ethics and is responsible for creating conditions for its compliance.

We support open communication, reporting of non-conformities, and risk prevention. Implemented measures are regularly evaluated with the aim of continuous improvement of the company’s management system.

The company regularly evaluates the effectiveness of implemented measures through internal controls, training, supplier evaluations, and audits.

The company supports emergency prevention and preparedness for crisis and emergency situations.

Employees are regularly informed about the requirements of this Code of Ethics and related company rules.

Final Provisions

Compliance with this Code of Ethics of KERN s.r.o. is binding for both company management and all employees without exception.

The company supports open communication, ethical conduct, a responsible approach, and a culture of mutual respect in all areas of its activities.

In Třinec on 4.5.2026 Stanislav Nesrsta – CEO of KERN s.r.o.