OpenLine offers a confidential way to ask questions, voice concerns, or report a suspected violation. HII uses a third-party company that provides a nationwide toll-free number for anyone who would like to report a suspected violation. This number allows employees to remain anonymous, and conversations are strictly confidential.
Employees can report issues and concerns to their Management, Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Ethics & Business Conduct Office, or by calling OpenLine.
OpenLine is anonymous and confidential. The line is open 24/7 and can be reached toll-free by calling 877-631-0020. Anonymous web reporting can also be made online at hii-openline.com.
Listed below are some of the common myths about OpenLine and the correct response provided by the Business Conduct Office.
Myth: OpenLines are traceable to the caller.
Fact: When making a report to OpenLine, you have the choice to identify yourself or remain anonymous. The system is designed to protect your anonymity if that is your preference. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, you - as the reporting party - need to ensure that the body of the report does not reveal your identity by accident. For example, “From my workstation next to Jan Smith...” or “In my 33 years...”
Myth: Only the Ethics Office will investigate concerns.
Fact: The Ethics Office is responsible for managing the OpenLine process and works with Human Resources, Labor Relations, the Law Department and other organizations to ensure OpenLine reports have been properly investigated and closed. Investigations will be conducted in an ethical and objective manner. HII may employ a variety of methods to conduct investigations. You are required to fully cooperate with an investigation and to promptly, completely and truthfully comply with all requests for information, interviews or documents during the course of the investigation. HII treats all reports of alleged misconduct confidentially, and only those persons with a “need-to-know” are informed and involved in an investigation.
Myth: OpenLine information is not kept confidential.
Fact: It is the practice of the Ethics Office and investigators to maintain confidentiality at all levels. Only those considered to have a “need-to-know” are involved in the investigation.
Myth: Callers do not receive feedback from OpenLine.
Fact: Documentation is maintained by the Ethics Office of all conversations with the caller. At the time the call is made to OpenLine, the caller is given a case and pin number to check on the current status of his or her OpenLine. If the caller decides to remain anonymous, a reply to the reporter is posted in EthicsPoint for the caller to check using his or her case and pin number.
Myth: Nothing gets done when you call OpenLine.
Fact: Caller should provide sufficient details and pertinent information to assist in conducting an investigation. A thorough investigation is conducted. After completion, the Ethics Office will contact the caller to tell them whether or not the allegation was substantiated. If any merit is found, then appropriate action is taken.
Myth: OpenLine is only in place to protect the company.
Fact: The purpose for OpenLine is for employees and others to have a confidential way to report misconduct or unethical issues in the workplace. OpenLine is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Company policy and leadership encourages reporting of misconduct through the OpenLine, your Supervisor, Manager, Human Resources, Law Department, or Ethics Office.
Myth: Issues reported to OpenLine are immediately addressed upon receipt of the report.
Fact: Once OpenLine cases are received, they are assigned to investigators as soon as practicable.
Additional Contacts:
Labor Relations: 228-935-6472
Employee Relations: 228-935-4216
Ethics & Business Conduct Office: 228-935-4457