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Opening remarks
Chikashi OHZEKI
Director
Japan International Center for Occupational Safety and Health (JICOSH)

May 21 2002 Opening remarks

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. My name is Chikashi OZEKI, and I'm Director General of JICOSH.

This center's objectives are to disseminate information on safety and health of Japan and overseas through our web-site that is available in Japanese and English, and to organize seminars inviting people specializing in safety and health from Asian countries. Since this place opened in July 1999, we have carried out 30 courses with more than 330 participants.

This time, we offer two courses, one is "Safety Management in Construction Work" and the other is "Safety Management and Inspection for Equipment".
Talking about Japanese Situation, among all industries, about 40% of the deaths are from the construction industry, which is regarded as the biggest challenge in preventing industrial accidents. There are a number of reasons why we have so many serious accidents in the construction industry.
It is difficult to specify risks when construction is undertaken in natural environment.
It is customary in Japan that many subcontractors participate in the construction projects. Construction workers are aging. Many workers still do not comply with safe work procedures.

The industrial safety and health law has been revised several times, and regulations have been tightened. But from now on, we need to encourage labor and management more to implement voluntary activities such as establishing a safety and health management system. Safety management and inspection for equipment is essential to prevent industrial accidents. The Japanese Safety and Health Law has many provisions related to this, and at the same time, earnest voluntary efforts should be made at workplaces.
This course focuses on safety measures in operating power press machines, industrial robots and conveyers, which can cause serious injury or even death once an accident takes place, while sharing the experiences of Japan.

This is the best season in Japan, this seminar includes an opportunity to go to Kyoto by Shinkansen, to visit factories and to enjoy weekend there.
Although the period of 18 days is rather short, I wish you learn importance of safety and health management and effective countermeasures taken in Japan through lectures and factory visits, and enjoy experiencing Japanese culture.
We do everything we can make you feel at home.
In conclusion, I wish you safe and healthy stay in Japan. Thank you very much.
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