Building the foundations of local communities

Respect for human rights

Responsibility for stakeholders

NICIGAS recognizes that respecting human rights is a fundamental prerequisite for the continued and sustainable growth of its business over the medium- to long-term. Based on this recognition, NICIGAS respects the rights of all stakeholders involved with the Company and prevents any unjust violations. We conduct our business with a strong commitment to international norms such as the International Bill of Human Rights, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the United Nations Global Compact’s Principles on Human Rights, aiming to achieve a sustainable society and enhance corporate value.

Promotion structure

NICIGAS has established its approach to respecting human rights through key policies, including the Code of Conduct for Nippon Gas Group Officers and Employees, the Multistakeholder Policy, and the Declaration of Partnership Building. Additionally, the Group Risk Management Committee, a subordinate body of the Internal Control System Committee (chaired by the Representative Director, Chief Executive Officer), is responsible for preventing human rights violations and providing remedies in the event of any infringements.

Various information regarding human rights:

NICIGAS’ stakeholders in the supply chain *As of the end of March, 2024

Risks related to human rights violations

Initiatives

Actions hindering partnership building (violations of laws and regulations, etc.)

・Employee education programs (legal training, e-learning) ・Declaration of Partnership Building ・Establishment of NICIGAS Hotline 110 as a consultation service for subcontractors

Harassment

・Establishment of NICIGAS Hotline 110

Occupational accidents

・Workstyle reforms utilizing NICIGAS’ platform ・Training for all plant staff to increase occupational safety awareness ・External investigations to reduce the risk of occupational accidents at plants

Responsibility to society

NICIGAS bears the responsibility of overseeing all business partners to ensure appropriate business practices across the entire supply chain. If a business partner is found to be engaging in inappropriate business practices, we take strict action, including contract termination.

Initiatives

・Confirmation at the time of contract signing that business partners have no ties to antisocial forces ・Company-wide disclosure of customer inquiries and feedback, ensuring continuous improvements ・Establishment of NICIGAS Hotline 110

Protecting employee rights

NICIGAS acknowledges that employees are an essential part of human capital for enhancing corporate value over the medium- to long-term. Therefore, we establish systems and environments that protect employees’ rights and enable them to maximize their potential.

Risks related to human rights violations

Initiatives

Occupational accidents

・Regulations under the NICIGAS Work Regulations and NICIGAS Occupational Safety and Health Policy ・Workstyle reforms through the introduction of digital transformation (DX)

Unpaid wages and low wages

・Equal-pay-for-equal-work system

Health issues

・Establishment of Mental Health Hotline ・Implementation of health checkups ・Workstyle reforms through the introduction of digital transformation (DX)

Discrimination and harassment

・Basic Policy for Harassment Prevention Measures in the Workplace of the Nippon Gas Group ・Various training programs (harassment prevention training, e-learning) ・Establishment of Group Helpline (consultation service) and Mental Health Hotline

Insufficient consideration for employees’ right to unionize

・Respect for labor union formation (as of March 2024: 941 members) ・Regular labor-management meetings