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Taking all Possible Steps to Ensure Safety and Protect the Environment |
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NOF has created a set of internal rules such as countermeasures to implement in emergencies. In an emergency, NOF sets up a countermeasures headquarters to provide the framework needed to respond to the situation. At of each of NOF’s plants, emergency response regulations have been created. These regulations are reviewed on a regular basis, training and drills are carried out, and substantial investments are being made to enhance the company’s disaster prevention system. Due to problems with telephone communications following the Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 and an accident at the Taketoyo Plant in 2000, satellite telephone links were installed at key locations in the company. At one of these locations, the Aichi Works, which manufactures gunpowder, a hotline to the local fire department was also installed. These steps ensure a reliable communications network is available in the event of an accident. Based on timely reviews of these networks, the decision was made to increase the number of satellite telephone links at the Aichi Works in fiscal 2004, as well as implement a training program. |
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Every year, August 1st is designated as Safety Inspection Day in the NOF Group. On this day, inspection activities are carried out across the Group’s entire scope of operations in areas not usually covered by day-to-day checks. |
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Initially, the activities of Safety Inspection Day were focused on reviewing safety measures at manufacturing sites. However, on the 4th Annual Safety Inspection Day (August 2004), all departments, including administrative and marketing departments, reviewed their operations from the perspective of their specific situations, and took a different approach from routine operational management. The results of the inspections were passed on to senior management. |
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Looking at accidents and incidents that have occurred outside the NOF Group, there have been numerous instances where emergency and inspection guidelines have been in place, but were not actually useful when an incident occurred. In response, NOF has introduced the element of surprise to existing training exercises at each of its plants. By changing training scenarios without warning, NOF is using more realistic situations to identify potential problems and improve the effectiveness of its systems. |
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| Training exercise at the Chidori Plant |
Training exercise at the Aichi Works |
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It is impossible to avoid natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and lightning strikes. However, it is important to take ongoing steps to ensure damage is kept to a minimum if a natural disaster does occur, and also to be aware that disasters can happen at any time. Following a review of estimated building failure at the Aichi Works in the event of an earthquake in the Tokai region, NOF began reinforcing buildings on the site in fiscal 2004, starting with priority structures. Response guidelines, part of NOF’s earthquake countermeasure guidelines, were also revised in line with earthquake forecast information (earthquake surveillance, advisory, forecast and warning information). At other sites, NOF is also creating hazard maps tailored to the characteristics of operations at each location, and making investments where necessary in a systematic manner. |
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NOF manufactures and handles dangerous substances, poisonous materials and explosives as defined in the Fire Defense Law. NOF takes the utmost care in controlling these items. In response to requests in fiscal 2004 from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other sources requiring tighter anti-terrorist security measures, NOF reinforced its companywide security system against external threats. Key steps included:
1. Tighter controls on individuals entering NOF sites
2. Enhanced management of dangerous substances, poisonous materials and explosives
3. Increased nighttime and holiday security at NOF sites
NOF will continue to enhance security going forward. NOF does not handle any pathogenic microbes, viruses, biotoxins or narcotic substances. |
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NOF is working to totally eliminate occupational injuries throughout the Group. Partner companies that operate on NOF sites also take part in safety activities aimed at achieving this goal. Each employee is making concerted efforts through zero-injury activities to ensure every worker associated with the NOF Group can work safely and with peace of mind. |
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Incidence of Occupational Injuries That Lead to Lost Work Time
In 2003, there were six occupational injuries in the NOF Group that resulted in lost work time. In response to the rising incidence of this kind of accident since 2001, NOF is strengthening Groupwide countermeasures.
Although various safety activities are conducted at each NOF site, there are many cases where occupational injuries have occurred due to management deficiencies, including inadequate guidelines. NOF therefore holds regular meetings where plant managers discuss safety with senior management. These meetings are aimed at maintaining a strong interest in safety issues among managers. Furthermore, at Affiliate Company Meetings, which the presidents of all NOF global companies attend, senior management provides periodic instructions on safety issues. |
Incidence of Occupational Injuries That Lead to Lost Work Time
(Consolidated)
*Data is for calendar years |
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There has only been one accident in the last five years
August 1, 2000: Explosion in smokeless gunpowder temporary storage facility No. 12, Taketoyo Plant, Aichi Works |
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<Fiscal 2004> August 1, 2003
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Disaster prevention drill, Aichi Works
(Fire fighting drill, Kinuura Plant)
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Disaster prevention drill, Aichi Works
(Communication drill, Taketoyo Plant)
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Disaster prevention drill, Amagasaki Plant
(Fire fighting drill)
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Safety training course given by outside expert, Amagasaki Plant
(Course presented by Isamu Tsushima, Kinki KYT Coordinator, Honorary Chairman, Japan Industrial Health and Safety Association)
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<Fiscal 2003> August 1, 2002
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| Disaster prevention drill, Amagasaki Plant
(Lifesaving drill)
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Disaster prevention drill, Chidori Plant
(Test of water curtain equipment in dangerous materials storage area)
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| Disaster prevention drill, Aichi Works
(Sandbag reinforcement training)
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Safety training course, Osaka Office |
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