1. Safety

Komatsu provides support for the establishment of safety activity systems and the improvement of activity levels at 98 companies, mainly subcontractors in Japan Midori-kai. The support includes continuous safety patrols by specialists from Komatsu, the sharing and horizontal deployment of occupational accident cases and safety measures from other companies, the introduction of management systems, and other activities. These activities are also carried out at China Midori-kai.
In addition, due to labor shortages at business partners, there has been an increase in the number of foreign workers, senior workers, and women working at worksites, and some workers from these groups have been involved in occupational accidents. In response, Komatsu has continued to provide support by making safety and health-related documents, such as work standards, available in multiple languages and creating workplace environments that are less physically demanding for senior workers and female employees.
In addition, to help prevent accidents before they occur, Komatsu has been sharing accident cases and flash reports from other companies with workplace workers at Midori-kai member companies. However, because text-only information led to differences in how workers understood the circumstances and risks of accidents, Komatsu created and rolled out AI-based reenactment videos and explanatory videos to improve workers’ understanding. Komatsu also prepared tools that enable workers to horizontally deploy this information to their own departments. To support foreign workers, these videos have been translated into 13 languages.

(1) Komatsu experts conducting safety patrols

Using check sheets and on-site patrols, Komatsu conducts document reviews and workplace checks to confirm compliance with legal requirements, such as notifications and inspections, as well as the presence of unsafe areas and unsafe behavior at worksites. If any issues are identified, Komatsu requests the submission of a countermeasure report that details measures to prevent recurrence and follows up accordingly. Since FY2018, Komatsu has reviewed the check sheets and evaluation criteria to evaluate the activities of Midori-kai member companies using common standards across all target companies and has followed up on improvements in each company’s activity level each year through One-rank-up Activities. Since FY2023, Komatsu has created workplace-focused patrol evaluation sheets to check each company’s safety activities at each company’s site from the same perspective, strengthening its bottom-up activities.
As part of the follow-up, Komatsu also trains on-site supervisors of business partners through fixed-point observation of work cycles on site and joint implementation of risk assessments.
To eliminate serious accidents, Komatsu regularly conducts comprehensive inspections of the safety devices installed on automated lines and machines and the operation of these devices, forklift and crane operations, and the status of standards established for work at heights, using a unified check sheet. In particular, Komatsu is promoting safety measures for automated lines and machines through Automated Machine Level Improvement Activities, which aim to shift safety assurance from reliance on people to safety assurance built into equipment.

(2) Implementation of mutual safety patrols among business partners

As part of the Midori-kai committee activities, mutual safety patrols are conducted among business partners from the perspective of companies in the same industry. We also emphasize checks from perspectives specific to each industry, such as the handling of heavy loads and high-temperature contact risks.

(3) Collaboration and information sharing with Komatsu’s internal safety activities

Executives from the Midori-kai member companies in Japan participate in the Komatsu Group Safety and Health Conference, which is held in June every year. Excellent Zero Accident circles selected from Japanese and Chinese Midori-kai member companies provide presentations about their activities. In addition, we open the Safety Dojo (Safety Training Hall), a facility included in each Komatsu plant, to our business partners, aiming to improve the safety awareness of the employees of each company through danger simulation experiences and danger prediction training.

(4) Focused guidance for companies with repeated accidents

Komatsu designates companies that have experienced repeated accidents as targets for its Special Safety Activities and proposes specific improvements tailored to each company’s circumstances. Komatsu also shares the action plans developed by each company and provides focused support and guidance.

(5) Introducing occupational safety and health management systems

To elevate the level of activities at each company, we support them in obtaining certification for occupational safety and health management systems, including ISO and OSHMS certification. In 2015, 97 companies adopted the occupational safety and health evaluation program for small and medium-sized workplaces conducted by the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) to objectively evaluate their compliance with safety and health laws through independent certified auditing bodies. For identified issues, the companies develop corrective action plans, and Komatsu provides improvement guidance and support, with the cooperation of its experts, in response to requests from business partners.

FY2025 Safety activity policy

FY2025 Safety activity policy
FY2025 Targets Elimination of serious accidents: 0 cases Lost-time injuries: 6 or fewer cases (Continuation of the FY2024 target)
Activity item	Activity theme	Activity methods / frequency
(1) Activities to eliminate serious accidents	Continue activities to improve the safety level of automated machines — Form ① Re-communicate the definition of automated machines and record the names of applicable equipment *1. (*1 Belt conveyors, chip conveyors for screwdrivers, etc.) Continue strengthening inspections using the Serious Accident Elimination Checklist Including safety assurance for contractors. Prepare and operate a sheet for sharing automated machine risks — Form ②	Serious Accident Elimination Checklist Self-assessment (collected by the end of June) Prepare and share the Serious Accident Map by the first half. Applicable equipment: automated machines identified through the Serious Accident Elimination Checklist. (All Level 1–3 equipment is subject to this activity.) During patrols, check issues and operating methods at the workplace based on the responses. (First half / second half: twice per year) Identify trouble-handling and maintenance work, and understand the status of its management.
(2) Activities to improve workplace capabilities	Conduct workplace patrols using checklists that include cross-workplace checks for similar accident risks and reinforcement measures (Confirm whether safety activities have permeated down to front-line workers.) Visualize the current status of each company using the FY2024 workplace verification checklist and worker interviews. Two types of checklists — Forms ③ and ④ Continue the following activities: ① Establish HHK activities ② Continue fixed-point observation ③ Improve KY capabilities ④ Ensure thorough pointing and calling Keywords for cross-workplace checks for similar accident risks are determined by the company where the accident occurred and the relevant Komatsu departments.	Workplace Patrol Evaluation Checklist Self-assessment (collected by the end of June) First-half patrol (Conduct assessment and provide advice at the workplace) *First half: once per half-year Each company implements improvements based on the advice. Second-half patrol (Conduct reassessment) *Second half: once per half-year Worker interview checks are conducted by Komatsu during patrols. Share safety videos and accident investigation information via BOX.
(3) Midori-kai subcommittee safety activities	Strengthen management of trouble-handling and maintenance work Create and disseminate risk assessment videos and work standard videos Participate in subcommittee activities (Information sharing and safety guidance) Participate in meetings and cross-patrols (Confirmation of improvements) *Participate as an observer.	Participate in subcommittee activities (Information sharing and safety guidance) Participate in meetings and cross-patrols (Confirmation of improvements) *Participate as an observer.

Workplace evaluation check (review of the first half of 2025)

	HHK Activities	Education and guidance	KYT/RA	Pointing and calling / HE prevention	Accident prevention / Cross-workplace checks
First half of 2025	86	89	90	80	90
Hokuriku average	85	83	87	75	83
Kansai average	84	91	87	79	90
Kanto average	88	91	91	83	93

	First half of 2025	Education and guidance	KYT/RA	Pointing and calling / HE prevention	Accident prevention / Cross-workplace checks
First half of 2025	86	89	90	80	90
Cab/sheet metal first-half average	90	93	92	83	93
Formed materials first-half average	84	89	88	81	89
Heavy plate first-half average	84	88	86	75	88
Machining first-half average	86	89	91	79	89
Purchased parts first-half average	89	93	91	89	95

Workplace-level evaluation content (Excerpt)

	Classification by activity element
Item category and purpose	HHK	Education	KYT・RA	Pointing and calling / HE prevention	Accident prevention / Cross-workplace checks	No	Category	Evaluation item	Check items (Komatsu / patrollers)
“Safety Takes Priority over Everything” as the foundation of corporate prosperity	★	★	★	★	★	0	President / Top management policy	1）Issuance and posting of the President’s message 2）Embedding safety-first awareness among workplace workers	Posting of the President’s message; communication to workers and interviews
(01) Continuation of activities to improve the safety level of automated machines	★	★	★	★		1	Automated machines	1）Whether safe work practices for Level 3 automated machines are communicated	Whether attention is called to these practices in safety standards / S-Points; confirm whether S-Point cautions are indicated at the workplace
(03) Implementation of HHK sheets and follow-up	★		☆	☆		3	HHK	1）HHK sheet implementation rate 75% or higher = ○ 50–74% = △ Less than 50% = ×	Whether permanent or temporary countermeasures have been implemented Effectiveness and communication of temporary countermeasures Confirmation of implementation at the workplace
(08) Promotion of pointing and calling	☆			★		8	Pointing and calling	1）Whether forklift operators perform pointing and calling at key points Stops at stop lines and performs pointing and calling = ○ Stops at stop lines and only points, without calling out = △ Not performed = ×	Whether operators stop the vehicle and check; whether pointing and calling is performed in accordance with established rules
(09) Thorough implementation of basic safety practices for crane work				★		9	Crane	1）Whether pointing and calling is performed at key points during crane work Pointing and calling is performed = ○ Only pointing is performed, without calling out = △ Not performed = ×	Whether pointing and calling is performed in accordance with established rules; whether crane work requirements are being followed
	☆		☆	☆	★	10	Crane	1）Whether unsafe crane work is avoided, including checking workers’ standing positions and confirming that operators do not look away while operating	Whether workers avoid standing under suspended loads and whether their standing positions are appropriate Whether operators avoid looking away or doing other tasks while operating
(11) Implementation of cross-workplace checks for similar accident risks		★		☆		14	Crane slinging / magnetic Lifting devices	1）Whether magnetic lifting devices are used correctly; management of workpiece diameter for thick plates, thin plates, and round bars	Whether shake checks are performed; confirmation of adhesion status Whether workers understand what they should do as their own responsibility
		★	☆	☆	★	15	Crane slinging	1）Whether lifting devices are inspected before use; shape management such as cracks or openings in in-house-made lifting devices	Whether inspection items are appropriate Whether any checks have been missed Whether the condition of lifting devices reflects the inspection results Whether workers understand what they should do as their own responsibility
		★		☆	★	20	Tools	1）Whether tools, jigs, etc. are free of damage; loose hammer handles or wedges, cracks, wear, or openings in sockets and wrenches	Whether tools, jigs, etc. are free of burrs and cracks; interviews on pre-use inspection points Whether workers understand what they should comply with as their own responsibility

Changes in the number of accidents at Midori-kai member companies in Japan and China

2. Compliance

The Komatsu Group conducts compliance and risk audits, or CR audits. Since 2016, Komatsu has also conducted these audits at 16 business partners in which Komatsu holds minority stakes. The audits cover four areas: accounting, labor management, procurement, including compliance with the Subcontract Act, and information security. Through these audits, Komatsu checks compliance with relevant laws and regulations, as well as the establishment and operation of business rules, segregation of duties, decision-making authorities and other matters. Komatsu also reviews related records and conducts on-site inspections, with the aim of identifying potential risks and implementing corrective measures.

The voluntary establishment of compliance systems by business partners is essential for promoting CSR procurement. Komatsu believes that such systems should preferably be established through the following steps: 1) formulating rules, including establishing each company’s code of conduct; 2) determining the promotion structure, including persons responsible and those in charge of practical implementation; 3) introducing a whistleblowing system; and 4) providing employee awareness training. In line with this policy, Komatsu provided support for establishing compliance systems to 99 companies, mainly outsourced parts suppliers among its key business partners in Japan Midori-kai. This support included introducing examples of initiatives implemented at Komatsu and providing employee training materials. By the end of FY2021, Komatsu had completed these support activities for all 99 companies. Follow-up after the completion of these support activities, as well as checks on the status of major business partners, is now conducted through SAQ surveys.

In FY2025, no serious violations of labor-related laws and regulations or environmental laws and regulations were reported at any of the 155 companies in Japan Midori-kai.

Result of CR audit to level-1 critical suppliers

3. Human resource development

Komatsu believes that the greatest support it can provide to Midori-kai member companies is human resource development, and therefore offers a variety of programs tailored to different organizational levels (see table below). From FY2020 to FY2022, most face-to-face training programs had to be cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative, Komatsu provided remote education curricula to Midori-kai companies using online meeting systems, which could also be utilized as employee training materials. Since 2023, in-person training has resumed, and training programs have been conducted in a hybrid format that combines face-to-face and remote learning.

In recent years, Komatsu has particularly focused on two support activities: “Management Salons” and “Skills Transfer Activities.” Management Salons are designed to foster the development of young managers who have recently taken over business responsibilities. In these sessions, Komatsu executives and the management of each company exchange views on analyses of each company’s current strengths and weaknesses, as well as on their medium-term management visions, while aligning and sharing their respective policies and ideas. Skills Transfer Activities, on the other hand, are designed to smoothly promote the improvement and succession of on-site skills at each company. Through these activities, Komatsu shares its expertise to support companies in building promotion systems and skills evaluation systems, as well as in developing instructors in core skill areas.