The Kobe Steel Group implements measures to reduce the environmental risks that accompany its business activities on the basis of a full understanding of such risks, and manages risk through established regular procedures. Efforts are ongoing to ensure strict compliance with legislation and to strengthen environmental management through environmental audits and similar activities.
Environmental Management and Audits
In addition to internal audits and external audits undertaken by certifying organizations on the basis of ISO14001 at each operating location, the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department undertakes its own audits of Kobe Steel works and plants, based on risk management guidelines.
Surveys are also conducted at Group companies to ensure that all environmental laws and regulations are being strictly followed.
In 2008, as in 2007, on-site audits and verification surveys were carried out at 11 Kobe Steel workplaces and 14 workplaces of Group companies, in addition to the ongoing practice of written audits. These on-site and verification surveys were undertaken by the Environmental Control and Disaster Prevention Department in Kobe Steel and the auditing departments of all Group companies with the assistance of outside consultants. As a result, no violations of environmental regulations were found at Kobe Steel plants or Group companies' facilities.
On-site monitoring at Takasago Works
Verification check at Kobe Welding Wire Co., Ltd.
Administrative Warnings and Guidance received in FY2008
No violations of environmental regulations on the part of Kobe Steel or any Group companies were identified, but some warnings and guidance were received from government authorities.
Warnings and guidance received from government authorities (Parent only)
Air
Water
Other
Fiscal 2002
2
1
1
Fiscal 2003
2
1
1
Fiscal 2004
0
0
0
Fiscal 2005
4
0
0
Fiscal 2006
2
1
2
Fiscal 2007
0
0
0
Fiscal 2008
1
1
0
Warnings and guidance received from government authorities (Group companies)
Air
Water
Other
Fiscal 2002
1
2
0
Fiscal 2003
0
2
0
Fiscal 2004
1
5
1
Fiscal 2005
0
2
4
Fiscal 2006
2
6
3
Fiscal 2007
2
2
1
Fiscal 2008
1
1
1
Examples of warnings and guidance
A warning was received that the notification made concerning installation of facilities, as required by legislation to prevent atmospheric pollution, was insufficient.
Waste water containing oil was released from a vessel at sea. Following instructions from a maritime safety station, floating oil was recovered and the spill treated with chemicals.
When the concentration of sulfuric acid mist released into the atmosphere was found to have exceeded agreed levels, the incident was reported to the authorities and equipment was upgraded.
An on-site inspection of the storage of waste containing PCBs revealed that some labeling was insufficient, and this was corrected.
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