work places
Greening of work placesSAMSUNG Electronics has instituted internal safety regulations that are far stricter than Korean law, as part of a comprehensive program to prevent accidents and environmental disasters. Every effort is made to ensure a pleasant, safe and healthy work environment. For example, an environmental quality monitoring system is in operation around the clock, and the SAMSUNG Wellness Promotion Plan helps employees stay in the best of health.
Goals to Realize the Greening of the WorkplacePollution Prevention and Self-treatment
- Constructing a Green Center: Integrated Waste Water Treatment Facility
- Constructing a Green Village(Integrated Waste Management System)
Computerization of ESH and Construction of its Management System
- Installing more TMS for Wastewater and Air Pollutants Monitoring
- Drive for the integrated ESH computer system
Actualization of No-accident Workplaces
- Accomplishing no accidents in 250 million man-hours
- Health Care for employees: General Medical Checkup
- Special Medical Checkup, Ordinary Medical Checkups
Development of Fire Protection Techniques
- Construction of the automatic extinguisher monitoring system
- Replacing the worn-out extinguishing device
Working condition Management
- Checking the process emitting electronic waves and Preparing measures against it
- Working out a plan against the exposure of harmful rays
Goals to Realize the Greening of Workplace
Strict In-house Regulations and the Tele-metering System SAMSUNG Electronics' standards concerning the release of pollution-causing substances are 30% stricter than those of the Korean government. In addition, a tele-metering system constantly monitors water and air quality at all plant sites. Data on pollution-causing substances are compiled and analyzed in real time, and then they are sent to concerned organizations inside and outside the company.
Minimal Waste Generation and Expanded Disposal Capability Waste material containers are standardized at each work site, and the waste source is classified by container color, as part of a program to minimize waste generation. In addition, the waste is disposed of safely and cleanly at the company's own large-scale incinerators at Suwon and Kumi, Korea. The thermal energy generated by the incinerators is used to heat facilities and run processes.
VOC Control Over US$10 million has been invested since 1995 to minimize the discharge of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The money has been used to replace the conventional activated charcoal absorption system with a catalytic oxidizer method of VOC removal. The new method raises removal effectiveness to 95% while eliminating the waste liquids created during regeneration of the activated charcoal.
Goals to Realize the Greening of the WorkplaceThe World's Longest Safety Record
The Environmental and Safety Regulations were enacted to instill the importance of environmental and safety concerns in employees and to create an accident-free workplace. All dangerous tasks require approval in advance, training is given on identifying dangerous situations and Environmental and Safety Inspection Days are held as part of multifaceted efforts to prevent accidents. As a result, the Kiheung plant went without a single mishap from November 1991 to May 1999, for an unprecedented world record of 234 million hours of accident-free operation.
| Classification | "35 times higher achieved" | Registered at Domestic Guinness Book of Records | "40 times higher achieved" | World Record | 50 times higher achieved & World Record | Guinness World Records Certificate |
|---|
Environmental Safety Suggestion Program
All employees take part in the Environmental and Safety Suggestion Program, through which they can identify risk factors in the workplace. Environmental and safety specialists review the employee suggestions, and cash prizes are given for outstanding ideas. Those ideas will also reflect positively on the employee's work record. Such a system encourages ongoing improvements in environmental and safety issues.
Integrated Disaster Control Center
The Integrated Disaster Control Center is operated to constantly monitor the environmental and safety issues at the plant site, prevent the possibility of fires, explosions, floods and other potential disasters, and minimize any damage in the event that an accident occurs. The Center focuses on dangerous facilities and the most important areas on-site, and disaster response teams remain on call. These teams are supported with various kinds of gear, vehicles and rescue equipment and they are given mock exercises periodically to keep their skills razor-sharp.
In-house Fire Department
Each plant site has its own fully equipped fire-fighting unit. Their primary duties are to prevent fires and, of course, put them out should they occur at the plant site. These units can also respond to fires and help save lives in the local community if needed.
Goals to Realize the Greening of the Workplace
Work Environment Assessment and Control
The Work Environment Specialist Team is made up of professionals who are supported by the latest measuring devices and detection equipment. Twice a year, they inspect each workplace to check the levels of noise, dust, heavy metals, organic solvents, harmful radiation, and illumination. Their findings are used to improve work methods and to correct problems with machinery to ensure that the workplace is pleasant and safe.
Material Safety Data Sheets are provided at the workplace, and regular training is given to machinery operators. Every effort is made to prevent illnesses and accidents resulting from careless handling of hazardous chemicals.
On-site Medical Facilities
Each plant site has its own infirmary, staffed by medical specialists and equipped with basic facilities for diagnosis and treatment. These infirmaries can diagnose common problems and prescribe medicine; they also offer medical counseling. They have ambulances standing by in case of an emergency.
Public Sanitation Control
Bacteria inspections are held for the hot/cold water purifiers, the beverages served on site and the vending machines. Food served at the plant cafeteria is meticulously prepared as well to ensure the highest standards of sanitation. In-house disinfecting activities are also carried out in the summer to prevent food poisoning and the propagation of harmful insects.
Health Checkups for Employees and Subcontracted Workers
SAMSUNG Electronics provides physical examinations for not only its own employees but also for the workers at long-term subcontractors. These examinations are divided into comprehensive, special and regular checkups. The comprehensive checkup is performed every other year, while the special and regular checkups are administered on an annual basis. Through this system, the health of employees at both SAMSUNG Electronics and its subcontractors can be carefully monitored and the workers can maintain a high quality of life.
