DENSO had been committed to safety ever since the company's founding, but the origin point for it being made the highest priority for the company management was the 1969 Anjo dust explosion accident. This accident led to the establishment of a task force (for technology and rescue) and this led to the establishment of a safety and health division. With the determination to never let such a tragic accident happen again, the company formulated its basic policy on safety and health and the "DENSO safety first" slogan. It also compiled "Denso Anzen-eisei-kankyo Standard (DAS)" one after another as in-house standards that were more stringent than the law. In addition to the prevention of explosions, the company is still promoting efforts for the other pillars of safety that were established, which were improving (1) equipment, (2) work, and (3) personnel safety. This continued effort has created the history of safety at DENSO.
Established the Industrial Safety and Health Department
1970
May
Established the DENSO ANZEN standard
The "DENSO ANZEN standards" consisting of volumes on General Rules, Safety, Sanitation, Environment, and Work
Development of activities for explosion and fire prevention
Sep
Notice from the President to make the one year anniversary of the Anjo Plant explosion
1973
Started awards for accident-free sections
1979
Implementation of earthquake countermeasures
In response to the earthquake off Miyagi Prefecture that occurred in 1978, a disaster prevention meeting was established and measures to prepare for a Tokai earthquake were started throughout the company. Due to concerns about the occurrence of linked earthquakes in which Tokai, Tonankai, and Nankai earthquakes occur simultaneously (in a Nankai Trough Earthquake), the contents of the countermeasures have been reconsidered from 2013 onward.
1982
Oct
Serious accident occurred with crane at Ikeda
To prevent recurrence, the company had automatic crane stopping devices installed and deployed a company-wide policy of stopping cranes when people are working nearby, thereby ensuring safety.
1988
3-3 Activities
The "3-3 Activities" were developed as a place for managers and supervisors to look over their subordinates. The managers and supervisors stopped at three locations per day, for three minutes at each location. They observed the work methods, behavior, and workplace safety and then gave instructions on improvement. In 2007, emphasis was placed on communication with subordinates and the activities were developed into the "Dialogue 3-3 Activities."
1995
Total review of earthquake countermeasures
1997
3S Activity
With the aim of reducing accidents, efforts were made to clarify the switches that should be turned off and the correct procedure for turning off a switch, and this activity was developed as "3S activity" throughout the company. In 2007, people to be responsible for 3S were appointed in each department and the activity was strengthened as "3S being practice in all" activity. This was to ensure that the meaning of 3S and the basic actions were spread throughout the workplaces.
3S activity
2005
Jun
Kota Plant received the Prime Minister's Award (commendation for distinguished service to citizen safety)
Activities to identify and assess priority disaster risks
2011
Working group activities for earthquake risk response
2012
Reinforcement of serious accident prevention at Group companies
2014
Introduced equipment risk assessments
2021
Dec
DENSO Heritage Center opening
The Center opened with exhibits on the origin point for DENSO, the origin point for quality, and the origin point for safety. It was a place for each of the individual associates to return to his or her own origin point and think for themselves about what baton they should be passing on to the next generation.
The fan that caused the Anjo factory explosion, which is displayed in the Heritage Center
