Equal employment opportunity

YTMV is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for people who are interested in working for the company. We implement an equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.
In 2022, the Human Resources Department organized training by interview for all managers and employees regarding employment in accordance with the requirements of employment legislation.
The training addressed issues including the areas to which equal opportunity legislation applies (including race, gender, religious beliefs, age, etc.), as well as physical and mental disability, and the utilization of company provided accommodation, etc. The training was successful in strengthening employees’ understanding of such issues.
We will listen to employees’ views regarding ideas for improving employment interviews, to strengthen the relationship between the company and its employees.

Safety and health

Our Safety Management Department has clarified that protecting the health and safety of employees is its top priority again for fiscal 2022, and it conducts its activities based on that priority. That is reflected in active initiatives that include weekly risk assessments, meetings with department administrators, and many audit programs.

• New hire training and regular follow up sessions
• Training during workplace transfers
• Training of external contractors
• Emergency contact training for use during incidents
• Emergency transport training for use during incidents
• PIT (vehicle) training
• Lockout/Tag out training
• Thirty-hour OSHA mandated training
• Environmental management training
• Everyday kiken yochi (KY) and training upon the commencement of operations.

In addition to the types of education and training mentioned, concerning both YTMV’s business units and all the various processes in which they engage, we are always promoting improvements with respect to our equipment and facilities, all of which have been equipped with protective and safety devices. Concerning the personal protective equipment that is issued to all employees, it is always kept in a ready state so that it can be used immediately. Additionally, both its wearing and usage is actively promoted and managed. Whereby accidents occur, thorough investigations are conducted, and various forms of response are suggested and then executed, with subsequent follow-ups also undertaken.
More than anything else, it is important to us that our employees are able to return home safely after completing their work.

Emergency response

Emergency response vehicles are available 24 hours a day in order to respond to various medical emergencies that may occur in the workplace. The company has also organized a highly-skilled emergency rescue team with 24 team members, who have received training in order to be able to respond to a variety of situations including rescues from narrow spaces and heights. We conduct regular drills for responding to fires and emergencies as part of raising awareness among all employees.

Recycling of waste

YTMV has established methods of recycling throughout the facility to capture paper, aluminum cans, bottles and cardboard in common areas.
In 2022, YTMV was able to expand recycling of materials such as discarded super sacks and label backing. In 2023, YTMV will continue to focus on maintaining secondary outlets for recyclable materials due growing volatility in the recycling market. Having reliable outlets helps YTMV maintain zero waste to landfill.

YOKOHAMA Forever Forest Activities

In 2017, YTMV concluded its onsite Forever Forest activities (those taking place within the grounds of the company). In 2022, in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, YTMV donated 1000 longleaf and shortleaf pine trees in Georgia. These trees will be planted across a mix of public and private lands. They will provide a home for endangered wildlife species.

Environmental data

• FY: January to December
• Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative.

Wastewater management

Biodiversity conservation activities

Bluebird conservation activities

The Virginia Bluebird Society was established in 1996. Its purpose is to provide habitat for bluebirds to raise their young and to limit the decline of the species.
Although monitoring of the bluebird habitat at YTMV was limited in FY2022, the birdhouses continue to provide habitat for multiple species of birds each year.

River water quality monitoring program

River quality monitoring program no longer available to YTMV.

Environmental measures

Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP)

The Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) is a program launched by the Commonwealth of Virginia (the Virginia state government) to encourage facilities located within Virginia to make environmental improvements that go beyond the minimum statutory requirements. In the fourth quarter of 2017, YTMV’s VEEP status was upgraded to E4 (Extraordinary Environmental Enterprise), the highest level that a business enterprise can attain under VEEP. The benefits of having E4 status include an enhanced profile within the local community, reduced handling charges for special permits, and regulatory incentives, etc.

Chemical substance management

All materials used within the plant are in compliance with Yokohama Rubber’s list of prohibited chemical substances and in line with the Green Procurement Guidelines.
Safety data sheets (SDS) are continuously maintained for each material; and updated using the web system (Sphera/Sitehawk).

Customer visits

The company has systems fully in place to welcome visits from customers at any time.

Community interaction and volunteering activities

Due to pandemic, community interaction and volunteer activities were suspended in 2021.　This continued into 2022. For 2023 YTMV is re-establishing a community involvement team.

Regional donations

During fiscal 2022 as well, the company and its employees continued to make donations to local charities and organizations.