In FY 2021, seven occupational accidents occurred (previous fiscal year: 11 accidents), and the total frequency rate was 0.90 (previous fiscal year: 0.93). Most accidents were caused due to non-routine work. The number of lost-time injuries was one (previous fiscal year: three). This injury was caused due to a rear-end collision with a following vehicle while traveling by car.
Frequency Rate of Injuries* Our calculation of lost-time injuries frequency rate was reviewed by Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and we received the following verification report.
Upon the occurrence of an industrial accident, the workplace promptly reports this fact and prepares a preliminary report on the accident. In addition, the workplace conducts a fact-finding survey and prepares an accident witness report featuring permanent measures that could be taken to prevent a recurrence.
The preliminary report and the accident witness report are distributed to all employees of the NGK SPARK PLUG Group. In this way, we are raising awareness and taking measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Risk assessment (RA) is the core activity of our occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). We have reviewed diverse potential risks resulting from workplace equipment, chemical substances, and work at every workplace and evaluated them to take hardware/software countermeasures (residual risk management), prioritizing the most dangerous risks.
Also, the head of the workplace has conducted work observations and reviewed the results of RA.
We conduct working environment measurements based on laws and regulations, targeting workplaces that handle chemical substances and workplaces subject to significant dust pollution and severe noise. Plants and workplaces that have been classified in the second or third management category are especially encouraged to implement effective solutions so that they can be reclassified in the first management category.
We also take measures to prevent cases of heat stroke in the summer by measuring the humidity and temperature in hot workplaces, encouraging an adequate intake of water and salt, providing cooling gear and the like.
In our offices, we appropriately control the level of lighting, temperature and humidity to ensure that the environment is suited to the work. In winter, we install humidifiers to help prevent the spread of colds and influenza. For COVID-19 as well, we take preventive measures against infection by issuing internal notices in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
We conducted a variety of educational and training activities with the aim of building a safety culture from the view point of "people," "products" and "systems". Not only to prevent the recurrence of injuries, but to prevent them from occurring.
The program is implemented for new employees, third year, tenth year, managers, section managers and supervisors, and is being rolled out progressively to domestic group companies.
We are working to prevent industrial accidents by enhancing specialized training on chemical substances, dust, noise, and the like.
The use of hazard simulation machines, which are designed for simulations of accidents that may occur in a workplace, such as being pinched or entangled, allows trainees to experience the fear of having an accident, which is difficult to describe in words. Trainees can also learn how to avoid accidents.
In addition to 29 types of hazard simulation machines, two types of machines to check the wearing of protective equipment are available.
With the work style reform, we held the exhibition online. Efforts and case studies related to health and safety, environment are introduced to foster employees who will act on their own.
All employees are given this book, and it is read together in each workplace, leading to safe behavior for each employee.
In response to diversification, the book is translated into English and Portuguese. A web version is also available.
We conduct activities that comply with the rules to create safe and secure workplaces and employees. To prevent walking related injuries with a focus on “Po・Ke・Te・Na・Shi” awareness. In particular, we are promoting pointing and calling.
Managers and supervisors on the workplace also carry out workplace patrols, risk prediction and share examples of Hiyari-Hatto (near misses), acting as the leaders of workplace health and safety management.
" Po・Ke・Te・Na・Shi " awareness poster