Priority Initiatives for FY2022
Priority Initiatives for FY2022
In addition to continuing to improve the intrinsic safety of its equipment, the SMM Group is strengthening measures to separate
pedestrians from vehicles and promoting the installation of AI cameras on heavy machinery to prevent the fatal accident that
occurred in 2021 due to contact with heavy machinery (a forklift). In addition, we are focusing on the prevention of serious accidents
caused by moving equipment, heights, heavy objects, etc. We have also launched initiatives for smart mining. To enhance
line management, including improving the skills of management and supervisory staff, we are promoting the implementation of
the work observation manual and point card, which were formulated in 2021. We are also enhancing hazard simulation training by
incorporating VR equipment.
In terms of health, we are promoting equipment improvements with the goal of eliminating workplaces in the Control Class 3.
We are also promoting systematic improvement of work environments to eliminate workplaces in Control Class 2. The Safety &
Environment Control Department planned health patrols, and together with the Safety & Environment Control Center in the Besshi
District, where there is a high concentration of such workplaces, and the health and safety officers of business divisions provided
guidance and followed up on progress in improving and maintaining work environments at business sites through patrols and
other means.
Results and Reflections on FY2022 Initiatives
In FY2022, we missed our safety targets (seven or less accidents and zero serious accidents for all Group companies in Japan), having
24 total accidents and three serious accidents. Although the risk of heavy machinery accidents has been reduced as a result of
efforts in FY2022, this failure is believed to be due to the accidents caused by human error such as simple mishaps or carelessness,
mainly during the summer, in addition to incomplete safety improvements in automated equipment, etc. Therefore, measures
against human error are necessary in addition to further promote intrinsic equipment safety improvements.
As for the health-related targets, we have achieved zero cases of work-related ill health, with Control Class 3 workplaces reduced
from the previous year (from five to two), and we will steadily formulate and implement improvement measures toward achieving
zero Control Class 3 workplaces.
In addition, chemical management is undergoing a major transformation starting in May 2022. First, the entire company will
share the overall schedule and outline of the changeover, and then we will ascertain information on the legal revisions that will be
sequentially enforced as early as possible and respond appropriately.
Action Plan for FY2023
In FY2023, we will promote comprehensive inspections and measures for automated equipment to further promote intrinsic
equipment safety.
In addition, to prevent human error and recurring accidents, we will improve the skills of workers by strengthening education for
line managers, promoting 5S (a workplace organization method) and improvement of the work environment through the initiative
of top management, and enhancing education at Oji-kan Facility, including incorporating VR. Through these efforts, we will achieve
a comfortable and safe work environment.
Action Plan for FY2023
- Improve and make equipment intrinsically safe, with emphasis on preventing serious accidents
(1) Promote overall inspection and implementation of safety measures for automated equipment
(2) Identify risks through on-site work observation guidance, requests for implementation, etc. - Prevent recurring accidents
(1) Dig deeper into causes, focus on countermeasures, and promote horizontal development
(2) Hands-on training using VR - Infrastructure development
(1) Reinforce line safety management
(2) Improve work environments to encourage safe behavior from employees
