Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
- Basic Policy
At Soken, we prioritize the health and safety of workers in all our business areas, including high-function products such as adhesives, fine particles, and performance materials, as well as processed products derived from them. Under clearly set objectives and with everyone's participation, we strive to maintain and enhance a work environment that is safe, secure, and comfortable for both mind and body, engaging in safety and health activities together with our local communities. - Action Guidelines
- Creating a Safe Environment
We recognize that occupational safety and health is the responsibility of each individual. As such, we continue to reduce related risks by identifying, eliminating, or remediating the sources of any existing hazards. - Guaranteeing Hygiene
We aim to improve the workplace environment and achieve work-life balance, ensuring our employees can work in optimal mental and physical health. - Fostering an Awareness of Health and Safety
We comply with laws and regulations on occupational health and safety, continuously improving relevant initiatives and communicating with employees to raise awareness of occupational health and safety.
- Creating a Safe Environment
Efforts to Improve Safety Management
Under our Occupational Health and Safety Policy, the Soken Group promotes various initiatives to ensure that all employees work in a safe and comfortable environment and maintain their physical and mental health. In accordance with laws and regulations, we have established the Safety and Health Committee at each of our locations to create a safer and more comfortable working environment for our employees. In addition, near-miss reporting and safety patrols are conducted regularly to improve accident prevention.
Near-Miss Reporting and Hazard Identification Training
At our Sayama and Hamaoka Offices, we conduct near-missing reporting and hazard identification training to prevent serious accidents from occurring. Near-miss reporting refers to collecting reports of employee near-miss incidents and promptly implementing preventive measures. Hazard identification includes training to avoid accidents and disasters by identifying hazardous points under hypothetical on-site situations and enhancing employees' sensitivity to danger.
Safety Patrol
The Safety and Health Committee conducts inspections and patrols on the premises of each business location to establish and maintain an environment suitable for occupational safety and health. Following these patrols, we disseminate findings to the pertinent departments, initiate improvements based on the feedback received, and direct our efforts toward creating a workplace environment that is both safe and conducive to health.
Promotion of Health Management
At the Soken Group, we strive to create an environment where each individual can realize their full potential. To this end, we implement a range of initiatives aimed at preserving the physical and mental well-being of our employees.
- Stress Level Checks and Counseling
Stress level checks are conducted once a year. In addition, we have professional counselors at all of our locations to support employee mental health and well-being. - Health Checkups
In addition to regular health examinations at each of our plants and offices, we conduct legally mandated special health examinations for employees who handle certain chemical substances. Employees over the age of 35 (including their dependents) can undergo a one-day company-paid comprehensive medical examination. - Lectures by Occupational Physicians
We regularly invite occupational physicians to speak on topics to raise employees' health awareness. In FY2022, we had a lecture titled "The Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet," followed by "Fatigue Recovery" in FY2023, contributing to an increased awareness of better health management.
Responses to Infectious Diseases
To prevent the spread of viruses within the Company and protect the health of employees, we again conducted mass vaccinations against influenza in FY2023. To protect against the spread of COVID-19, we granted special leave* (paid leave) on the day that an employee received the vaccination and the following day so that employees could be vaccinated as early as possible. Also, if an employee became infected, we took measures, such as granting special leave for a certain number of days, to enable the employee to recover and prevent the spread of infection to non-infected employees.
- *A special leave measures were terminated on May 8, 2023.