Using the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as our precedent, Canon Medical Group respects the human rights of all stakeholders involved in our business activities, including employees and business partners.
Among the human rights risks that may occur in Canon Medical Group's business activities, 11 items are identified as outstanding risks, including discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc., harassment, child labor, forced labor, nonpayment or low wages, overwork, occupational health and safety, and privacy protection. Various measures have been taken to prevent and mitigate these risks, as described in the following table.
| Rights-holders | Measures taken by Canon Medical Group | ||||
| Suppliers/Contractors | Canon employees | Customers/Consumers | Local communities | ||
| Discrimination based on such factors as race, gender, or religion | ● | ● | ● | ● | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion |
| Harassment | ● | Prevention of Harassment | |||
| Child labor | ● | Respect for Human Rights in the Supply Chain | |||
| Forced labor | ● | ● | Respect for Human Rights in the Supply Chain | ||
| Unpaid wages / low wages | ● | ● | Respect for Human Rights in the Supply Chain | ||
| Excessive overtime work | ● | ● | Respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining | ||
| Occupational health and safety | ● | ● | Occupational Safety and Health Management | ||
| Protection of privacy | ● | ● | Protecting Personal Information | ||
| Procurement of conflict minerals | ● | ● | Addressing the Issue of Responsible Minerals Sourcing | ||
| Noise, environment pollution at operational sites | ● | ● | Environment | ||
| Health damage or accident caused by product | ● | ● | Product Responsibility | ||
The Canon Group Human Rights Policy is based on its corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which promotes coexistence and collaboration for the common good. This philosophy promotes the idea that all individuals can coexist harmoniously and collaborate to contribute to a thriving society. Respect for and protection of human rights is deeply embedded into all of Canon's policies and procedures.
We respect internationally recognized human rights, including the prohibition of child labor, the prohibition of forced labor, and unreasonable restrictions on movement, as well as the ban on overwork and respect for freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. We undertake measures to conduct due diligence (DD) and develop and operate redress mechanisms where necessary. We also conduct educational activities and engage in dialogue with stakeholders.
Canon Group companies created the Canon Group Code of Conduct in 2017 to establish standards for its executives and employees to follow in their daily work.
We have a human rights response plan in place to address any concerns about human rights that also extends to our suppliers. Through this, any essential matters can be swiftly reported and appropriate measures taken. The Canon Medical Group has established internal reporting hotlines, known as the Risk Hotline, through which employees can report specific human rights concerns that may arise. We promote awareness of the reporting desk through our intranet and regular training sessions.
The privacy and anonymity of whistleblowers are protected both inside and outside the company. Any reports are thoroughly investigated, facts are determined, and appropriate action is taken as necessary to correct any problem and prevent it from happening again.
Additionally, we have developed a website for external stakeholders who may have human rights concerns, known as the Clean Partner Line.(Japan)
The results of our efforts in addressing concerns are evaluated annually and reported to the CEO and Board of Directors through our Risk Compliance Committee.
We continuously monitor compliance with the Canon Group Human Rights Policy, and continually improve identification and evaluation methods for human rights due diligence. This helps us review and assess our human rights initiatives, alongside consideration of social demands, dialogue with stakeholders, and the business status of Canon Medical Group.
We maintain zero tolerance for forced labor and child labor within our group's primary suppliers, including domestic and overseas suppliers.
| Main Stakeholders | Means of Communication |
| Patient | Disclosure of product information and reception of inquiries on the website |
| Research Institution | Acceptance of joint research, academic conferences, and business site tours |
| Medical Institution | Exhibitions, user study sessions, publication of product information on the website, reception of inquiries, business site tours |
| Neighboring residents/Companies | Acceptance of response letters, event information agreements, and business site tours |
| Suppliers | Acceptance of education, conference, and business site tours |
| Society/Administration/Related organizations | Awards, submission of records, on-site inspections at business locations, business site tours |
| Third-party certification body | Audit |
| Employees and their families | Labor-management council, internal intranet for employees, public relations magazine |