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Frequently Asked Questions

Why has 3M contracted with EthicsPoint for reporting of concerns?

EthicsPoint is an independent company that provides secure, confidential telephone and web-based systems used to report a concern regarding business conduct. 3M is one of many companies that contracts with EthicsPoint for this service in the belief that potential reporters will be more comfortable reporting a concern if they know they will be reporting to a professional, third-party. In addition to providing service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, EthicsPoint offers translation services in many languages.

What is EthicsPoint’s role?

EthicsPoint's principal responsibilities are:

  • Provide confidential telephone and web-based options for reporters to raise concerns about 3M's business conduct or those who do business on behalf of 3M
  • Protect the identity of reporters who wish to remain anonymous
  • Provide translation services
  • Transmit information about the concern to 3M’s Ethics & Compliance department so 3M can conduct an appropriate investigation
  • Allow 3M to communicate with an anonymous reporter by serving as an intermediary to relay follow-up questions and answers, and to provide information about the resolution of the case.

It is not EthicsPoint's role to take action to address the concern, only to transmit the concern to 3M’s Ethics & Compliance department for handling.

What if this is an emergency?

Concerns about an immediate threat of physical harm or damage to property should not be reported to EthicsPoint. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local emergency services.

Should I report my concern through EthicsPoint or my 3M manager?

First consider whether you are comfortable raising your concern within 3M, such as to your manager or to someone else in your department. 3M has found that internal concerns usually can be resolved most quickly and satisfactorily when they are raised with internal resources such as management or human resources. If you are uncomfortable doing so, if you do not know whom to contact, if you want to remain anonymous, or if you believe your concern has not been satisfactorily addressed, please proceed with the filing of a report through EthicsPoint.

How can I report my concern to EthicsPoint?

If you wish to report a business conduct concern involving 3M, you may complete a report on this website, or you may speak with a specialist in EthicsPoint's call center, which answers calls to the 3M Business Conduct Helpline. Regardless of which option you select, you will have the option to remain anonymous.

  • Web-based form.
    To make a report from this website, click here.
  • 3M Business Conduct Helpline (operated by EthicsPoint).
    To contact the 3M Business Conduct Helpline, click here for a list of applicable contact telephone numbers. In most countries, 3M offers a telephone number you can call at no cost to you. In most cases, the Helpline will initially be answered in English. The Helpline specialist who answers your call will bring an interpreter on the line if you would prefer to report your concern in a language other than English. You can reach a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Should I identify myself?

If you choose to identify yourself in reporting your concern, 3M will make every reasonable effort to hold your name in confidence during the investigation. Many investigations can be more quickly and effectively completed when the reporter is identified because it allows 3M's investigator to follow up directly with the reporter.

May I report my concern anonymously?

In most countries, except those which prohibit anonymous reporting, you may report your concern anonymously by using either the web-based form or the 3M Business Conduct Helpline, which are both operated by EthicsPoint. If you choose to make your report anonymously, you will be provided with a report key and asked to create a password. You will need to retain these to return to the report you previously submitted. When you check back, you can monitor the progress on your concern and add additional information, if necessary. This will also allow 3M to ask follow-up questions, while protecting your anonymity.

If you choose to report anonymously, please take care not to report information that may personally identify you, such as:

  • Your reporting relationship to others in the company
  • Your physical work location
How does EthicsPoint maintain confidentiality?

EthicsPoint does not trace phone calls or use caller identification. In addition, EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain internal connection logs containing Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, so no information linking your computer to EthicsPoint would be available. Reports from your computer would come through a secure Internet portal which does not trace or show user screen names. Finally, EthicsPoint removes Internet addresses to ensure that anonymity in the EthicsPoint system is maintained. EthicsPoint will not use information reported for any purpose other than passing along the information to 3M for appropriate handling.

How can I monitor progress on my concern?

At the end of your telephone call or web-based report, EthicsPoint will provide you with a report key and ask you to create a password. You will be asked to telephone 3M's Business Conduct Helpline, operated by EthicsPoint, or visit the EthicsPoint website two or three business days after you make your initial report. At that time, you can monitor progress on your report and learn whether any additional information is needed from you to address your concern.

How does 3M investigate concerns?

EthicsPoint notifies 3M’s Ethics & Compliance department when a concern is received. 3M then commences an appropriate investigation, using internal or external resources with expertise in conducting investigations. The information in your report is shared with appropriate investigation team members, and the concern is investigated promptly and discreetly. You are able to monitor status of the investigation by contacting the 3M Business Conduct Helpline, or by clicking the Follow Up link on the website.

What if I face retaliation?

3M prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in an investigation. If you believe you have faced retaliation of any kind, please report it so that 3M can investigate.

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