Internal and External Social Media Policy

1.

PURPOSE

Gerdau recognizes the need to incorporate social media tools such as online communities, blogs, micro -blogs,
online forum s, content-sharing websites and other digital channels established for online interaction and
connection for its business functionality.
2.

SCOPE
a.

This policy applies to all Gerdau em ployees, employees of subsidiaries of any of the Gerdau companies
and assigned workers, as well as to third parties performing services on behalf of Gerdau companies. All
em ployees m ust com ply with this policy. Assigned workers and third -party employees must comply or
lose access to Gerdau com panies resources and permission to perform services for Gerdau.

b.

This policy describes the organizations objectives and policies in regards to maintaining the integrity o f
Gerdaus m ission while interacting with social media.

3.

PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA

This policy addresses four types of social m edia interactions.

4.

a.

Internal participation

b.

External participation

c.

Com pany-sponsored participation

d.

Individual-sponsored participation

STAFFING

Social m edia staff will be part of the Internal Communications department , other designated departments, or a
dedicated social m edia area. This determ ination will be at the discretion of Human Resources management. Social
m edia training will be provided by the Hum an Resources department, the Training department, or a designated
social m edia area. Com pany staff m em bers who are invited to carry out social media duties will be trained on how
to perform the necessary social m edia functions and tasks. The Director of Human Resources will develop and
m onitor staffing and budgeting requirem ents. Position roles and responsibilities include the following:
a.

Social Media Coordinator

1)

Im plem ents organizations policy for social media at Gerdau.

2)

Provides adm inistrative and physical safeguards for the protection of company and client
social m edia interaction.

3)

Coordinates activities between social media trainers and specialist.

Gerdau - Social Media Policy

Page 1

b.

Social Media Trainer

1)

Develops and im plem ents social media training program as described by the Social Media
Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources.

2)
c.

Docum ents the delivery of social media training to all work force members.

Social Media Specialist

1)

Understands and com plies with Gerdau policies regarding internal and external interaction
with all form s of social media .

5.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Each em ployee m ust read and acknowledge understanding and compliance with the social media policy annually.
The following training will add ress all internal participants.

6.

1)

Initial social m edia policy roll out training

2)

New staff m em ber training

3)

Annual training and acknowledgement

4)

Special function training

EMPLOYEE GUIDELINES FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

Gerdau respects the legal rights of our em ployees. The Gerdau Social Media Policy governs activities inside or
outside of work that affect Gerdau, performance of other employees, or your own performance.
a.

You m ust read and acknowledge Gerdaus Code of Ethics, as a foundation for the social

m edia policy. The sam e principles from the Code of Ethics apply to using social media inside and outside
of the workplace.
http://www.gerdauam eristeel.com /company/aboutga/docs/Gerdau_Code_of_Ethics.pdf
b.

You have personal responsibility for the content you publish online, whether in a blog, social computing
site or any other form of user-generated media. Be mindful that what you publish will remain accessible
by the public for an undeterm ined time. Protect Gerdau and your privacy while understanding a site's
term s and conditions of service.

c.

You m ust identify yourself by nam e and, when relevant, identify your role at Gerdau when y ou discuss
Gerdau related m atters such as products , services, work environment, or work policies . You must make it
clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of Gerdau.

d.

You m ust use a disclaim er when publishing opinion-based content online relevant to Gerdau; for
exam ple, add, "The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Gerdau's positions,
strategies, or opinions."

e.

You m ust respect copyright and fair use laws.

f.

You m ust not provide Gerdaus or a client's, partner's or supplier's confidential or other proprietary
information.

Gerdau - Social Media Policy

Page 2

g.

Never publicly discuss Gerdaus business performance or other sensitive matters about business results or
plans.

h.

You m ust not cite or reference clients, partners, or suppliers on business-related matters without their
approval. When you do make a reference, link back to the source . Do not publish content that might allow
readers to draw inferences that could damage a client relationship with Gerdau.

i.

You m ust respect your audience. Don't use ethnic slurs, discriminatory rem arks, personal insults,
obscenity, or engage in any sim ilar conduct that would not be appropriate or acceptable in Gerdaus
workplace. Show proper consideration for others' privacy.

j.

You m ust be aware of your association with Gerdau in online social networks. If you identify yourself as a
Gerdau employee, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present
yourself with colleagues and clients.

k.

You m ust have respect for others and their opinions in spir ited and passionate discussions. Be the first to
correct your own m istakes.

l.

You should try to add value. Provide worthwhile inform ation and perspective. Gerdaus brand is best
represented by its people.

m . You m ust not m isuse Gerdau logos or trademarks , Use them only if you have the authority to do so. For
exam ple, you should not use Gerdau in your screen name or other social media ID.
7.

DISCIPLANARY PROCEDURES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

All disciplinary m easures for social m edia usage will be executed accor ding the Gerdaus disciplinary policy.
8.

GERDAU ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

Gerdau sees social m edia as a form of com munication and a factor of human relationships. W e trust you to follow
personal responsibility when using social m edia. You should not us e social media for covert marketing or public
relations on behalf of the com pany.

Gerdau - Social Media Policy

Page 3