Management System Overview, Promotion Structure
Our group-wide Safety and Environmental Management System keeps individual activities proceeding toward common goals under a common philosophy.
This management system consists of long- and short-cycle activities.
In the long-cycle activities, which are designed for the entire group, we are making continuous improvements based on common goals and criteria by checking achievements based on reports about site audits and from sites and by reviewing the management system.
For site-specific short-cycle activities, we have an ISO 14001-compliant management system and the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) in place.
The officer in charge of safety and environmental affairs appointed by the President and Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility for building and managing the promotion structure for Taiyo Yuden's Safety and Environmental Management System.
Safety and Environmental MS Committee, the Environmental Promotion Committee debate and decide policies and issues to be addressed. Each manager of sites then converts his/her decisions into actual plans matching the characteristics of each site, and takes charge of publicizing, enforcing and promoting these concrete targets.
Certification Acquisition Status
The Taiyo Yuden Group is ISO 14001 certified for its production sites and development centers.
In addition, we address corporate responsibility in the global supply chain, and the group undergoes the Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audits by the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) on a continuous basis in line with the set plan.
RBA-VAP Audit
TAIYO YUDEN Group has implemented activities to comply with the RBA (Responsible Business Alliance) Code of Conduct, which is a code of conduct related to social responsibility. We regularly have the RBA-VAP audit as third-party evaluation to enhance level of labor, ethics, health and safety, and environment continually. Subjects of the audit are 16 manufacturing sites and 1 non-manufacturing sites *.
TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.(Japan) |
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Takasaki Global Center* / Haruna Plant / Nakanojo Plant / Tamamura Plant / Yawatabara Plant |
Consolidated Subsidiary(Japan) |
TAIYO YUDEN CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. / TAIYO YUDEN TECHNO SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. / FUKUSHIMA TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. / NIIGATA TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. / TAIYO YUDEN ENERGY DEVICE CO., LTD. / WAKAYAMA TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. / TAIYO YUDEN Mobile Technology Co., Ltd. (Head Office & Tokorozawa Plant) |
Consolidated Subsidiary(Other Countries) |
KOREA KYONG NAM TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. TAIYO YUDEN (GUANGDONG) CO., LTD. TAIYO YUDEN (PHILIPPINES), INC. TAIYO YUDEN (SARAWAK) SDN. BHD. |
Audit
Triple audits evaluate each site's compliance, accident risk management, and the environmental impact situation aimed at producing continuous improvement.
ISO14001 certification audits by certification authorities
Sites with ISO14001 certification underwent the audits required to update or maintain such certification. These audits uncovered 2 nonconformities. The root causes were analyzed and corrective action was promptly taken in response to each issue. The nonconformities were minor issues relating to our management systems, and were not directly linked with environmental pollution or occupational accidents.
The RBA-VAP audits for FY2022 have been completed at seven domestic sites and one overseas sites.
Audits of site safety and environmental activities at regularly scheduled intervals allow us to compare sites.
(Domestic sites: Once every two years, Overseas sites: Once every three years)
In FY2022, we performed site audits to examine the status of compliance with customer requirements, the RBA Code of Conduct's safety, health, and environmental requirements.
In each audit, auditors checked documents and performed on-site audits on matters related to customer requirements/RBA requirements such as risk management against potential hazards, management of required protective equipment, emergency preparedness, and management of chemical substances, waste, and air/water quality.
The audits revealed inadequacies in areas such as warning signs, emergency preparedness, and management of chemical substances.
Countermeasures were implemented for validated inadequacies found during the site audits, and verified its effectiveness.
We aim to improve the level of health, safety, and environmental protection activities for the whole group by globally incorporating societal requirements in a timely manner and sharing the results after benchmarking products from all sites.
Some hazard labels in a used fluorescent lamp storage area were not sufficient.
Some eye wash equipment for emergency use was not inspected.
Some chemical subdivision containers were not provided with secondary containment.
Audits targeting site departments on observance of safety and environment laws, target achievement, and performance.
(Once or twice every year)
All sites conducted internal audits of their departments in accordance with their management systems. Priority areas were determined for each site, and 42 nonconformities were uncovered as a result of conducting internal audits (at sites in Japan).
Corrective action was completed in all cases without delay, and after a follow-up check, it was reported to the managers that the management system has been effective in complying with the Taiyo Yuden Group's policies and goals.
During FY2022, we inspected and audited 12 companies (4 collection, delivery, and intermediate processing companies; and 8 intermediate processing companies). The travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from auditing some contractors on site. We changed the audit procedures to self-audits for them using documents and photographs (for 7 contractors). The results showed that all inspected operators are processing and disposing of waste appropriately. The operators have also been classified into three ranks from the results of these inspections, with the frequency of future inspections varying depending on the rank of the operator.
Training
We provide a variety of training programs covering both general and specialized knowledge to promote employees' awareness of preventing occupational injury and illness, as well as active participation in environmental conservation.
Holding events related to health and safety
We hold various events related to health and safety at all sites, providing employees with opportunities to raise their awareness and improve their skills. For example, we conducted exercise seminars aimed at preventing and improving stiff shoulders and lower back pain, and driving aptitude assessment using a driving simulator.Aerial work safety measures training
In order to prevent falls during aerial work, we conducted training for aerial workers on the correct way to wear and inspect a full harness safety belt.Training on forklift driving safety
We invited an external instructor to provide practical guidance on forklift operation and inspection to improve skills.Fluorocarbon management training
We conducted training for staff that handle fluorocarbons on equipment maintenance and inspection, and on how to collect fluorocarbons in order to ensure that equipment that uses a fluorocarbon as a refrigerant is properly managed.Training for wastewater treatment facility managers
We conducted training for wastewater treatment facility managers, on the control system of wastewater treatment facilities and emergency response procedures including on-site training.