Respect for People Everywhere

Using the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as our precedent, Canon Medical Systems respects the human rights of all stakeholders involved in our business activities, including employees and business partners.

Notable Human Rights Risks at Canon Medical Systems

Among the human rights risks that may occur in Canon Medical Systems' 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.

Salient Human Rights Risks for Canon Medical Systems
Rights-holders Measures taken by Canon medical systems
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

Policy on People

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.

Working to High Standards

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. Canon Medical Systems has also developed its own Standards of Conduct. Both of these rulebooks form the foundation of our daily work, prioritizing life, safety, and compliance.

Within the Canon Medical Systems, human rights initiatives are managed and promoted by our own human rights officers, as well as the legal, human resources, and procurement departments.

Addressing Concerns

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 Systems 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 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.

Ensuring Continuous Compliance

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 Systems.

Proactive in Protecting People

We maintain zero tolerance for forced labor and child labor within our group's primary suppliers, including domestic and overseas suppliers.

Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement Procurement Policy

Engaging with Stakeholders

The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct emphasizes the importance of companies engaging with stakeholders to identify actual or potential negative impacts of their activities. Canon Medical Systems Group is guided by the business purpose "Made for Life," aiming to contribute to the advancement of medical care. The company's activities are based on relationships with various stakeholders, and it is essential to communicate ideas, listen to their perspectives, and engage in dialogue to foster a deeper mutual understanding.

To achieve this, relevant departments of group companies worldwide serve as points of contact and strive for close communication with stakeholders. Issues are identified based on stakeholder feedback, and regional needs are addressed accordingly. Canon Medical has also established a point of contact on its website for inquiries from external stakeholders. Opinions and requests received are promptly shared with relevant departments for appropriate action.

The company is committed to finding solutions and sharing important global management matters with the entire group to resolve issues effectively.

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

"Canon": Represents the entire group, including Canon Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries.
"Canon Inc.": Represents Canon Inc. alone.
“Canon Medical Systems”: Represents the entire group, including Canon Medical Systems Corporation and all of its consolidated subsidiaries.
"Canon Medical Systems Corporation": Represents Canon Medical Systems Corporation alone.

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