Fundamental Approach
We respect human rights and strive to perform transparent corporate activities based on our high ethical standards.
Results in FY2023
- We conducted an assessment of human rights risks with internal and external stakeholders, and the status was judged to be "appropriate".
Respect for Human Rights
The Company has established the Hulic Human Rights Policy, by applying "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)" of the United Nation, which proclaims respect for human rights so that all employees can maximize their abilities and contribute to the realization of a society full of peace of mind and trust. In our Human Rights Policy, we declare that we prohibit any acts of discrimination and harassment, as well as any discrimination against any person on the ground of his or her beliefs, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, origin, physical or mental disorder, etc. We also prohibit any act, including sexual harassment or abuse of authority, to inflict emotional distress on any person through language or behavior that damages his or her character or dignity. Respect for human rights encompasses all fundamental human rights found in the Constitution, Labor Standards Act, and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as human rights related to equal employment, prohibition of forced labor and child labor, freedom of association, and collective bargaining stipulated in the ILO's international labor standards.
We regularly post the information on the theme of human rights to all Group Companies, using our intranet. In FY2023, we posted a notice on the theme of "The Company and Human Rights".
The Hulic Human Rights Policy
Based on the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we have established the Hulic Human Rights Policy (hereafter "the Policy") so that all employees can maximize their abilities and contribute to the realization of a society full of safety, peace of mind and trust.
1. Adherence to International Human Rights Standards
We uphold and respect international standards related to human rights. These include the International Bill of Human Rights and ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
2. Scope of Application
The Policy applies to our all officers and employees, and we strive to raise their awareness through training and other means. In addition, we expect our customers and business partners to support the Policy and cooperate with us in promoting efforts to respect human rights through compliance with the Policy.
3. Implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence
Through dialogue with stakeholders and other means, we assess in advance any negative impacts on human rights and take both preventive and improvement measures. In addition, we evaluate the performance and effectiveness of these measures and disclose relevant information.
4. Corrections and remedies
If it becomes clear that we have had a negative impact on human rights due to its business activities, or that it has been complicit in such impact, we work to correct and remedy the situation using appropriate procedures. In addition, we maintain a system for reporting and consulting about any acts that have a negative impact on human rights.
5. Review of Priority Themes Related to Human Rights
Priority themes related to human rights are listed below. As these priority themes may change in response to evolving business and social conditions, we revise them as needed.
Priority Themes Related to Human Rights
①Prohibition of discrimination
We prohibit any discrimination against any person on the ground of his or her belief, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, origin, physical or mental disability, etc.
②Prohibition of harassment
We prohibit any act, including sexual harassment or abuse of power, to inflict emotional distress on any person by language or behavior that damages his or her character or dignity.
③Prohibition of child labor
We prohibit any child labor.
④Prohibition of forced labor
We prohibit any forced labor carried out through violent acts or intimidation.
⑤Respect for the right of freedom of association and right of collective bargaining
In line with international labor standards, we respect the right of freedom of association and right of collective bargaining.
⑥Reduction of excessive working hours
In addition to ensuring compliance with labor-management agreements, including the 36 Agreement and laws and regulations of relevant countries and regions, we adopt basic policies to reduce overtime work and limit excessive work.
⑦Securing of health and safety of workers
In accordance with laws and regulations of relevant countries and regions, including the Labor Standards Act, we endeavor to offer a workplace where workers can work healthily and safely.
⑧Payment of wages over minimum wage
We pay wages over minimum wages prescribed in various local laws and regulations as well as the Minimum Wage Act.
Revised April 2023
Takaya Maeda
President, Representative Director
Hulic Co., Ltd.
Communicating the Hulic Human Rights Policy and Labor Standards to All Employees
We communicate the Hulic Human Rights Policy and labor standards, including employment regulations and labor contracts, to all employees* through in-house intranet, maintenance of the list of regulations, compliance training and in other ways to ensure understanding and full assimilation.
- *All employees are engaged in business in Japan.
Implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence
Based on the Hulic Human Rights Policy, Hulic engages in human rights due diligence to prevent negative impacts on human rights through our business activities.
The Company conducts dialogue with internal and external parties through human rights risk assessment questionnaires and feedback. In 2023, the Company conducted external human rights risk assessments with multiple construction companies.
Regarding grievance mechanisms, the Company has established contact points where both internal and external parties can report and consult on human rights-related issues.
Based on information from human rights risk assessments and grievance mechanisms, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of initiatives, review priority issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and mitigation measures that have been formulated to date. In 2023, the status of efforts to address human rights risks was concluded to be appropriate.
If it is determined that negative impacts on human rights is being caused, the Company will formulate preventive and mitigation measures, as well as disclose necessary information and conduct follow-up investigations.
Human Rights Due Diligence Process
Management of Risks regarding Labor and Human Rights Issues
We endeavor to prevent violation of laws related to labor and occurrence of accidents. Although risks of child labor and forced labor are low at Hulic as we have developed a highly specialized business mainly in Tokyo, we declare that we do not permit any form of child labor or forced labor. In order to prevent such labor, we regularly audit compliance with laws in employment management and also provide compliance education, including regarding the prevention of child labor and forced labor, to employees.
For managing human risk, the department in charge determines and evaluates the situation before reporting to the Risk Management Committee and making recommendations. The Board of Directors is also regularly kept aware of the content of these reports. As a result, there have been no situations that threaten such risks as freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, child labor, forced labor, security practices, or indigenous rights.
In 2023, we conducted training for all employees on "Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace." We also invited an outside lecturer and provided training for preventing the abuse of power for officers and general department managers. For all Group companies, using our intranet we distributed information on the Hulic Human Rights Policy and posted information on such themes as lifestyles and harassment.
Further, from 2023 we send a questionnaire on human rights due diligence to some suppliers to confirm the working environment and health and safety of supplier's employees and manage risks related to labor and human rights issues.