AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is a topic often taken up by the media nowadays.
In the past, only physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals working in the medical field were allowed to use AED in Japan. Since July 2004, however, "a private citizen who happens to be present at the scene of a medical emergency can use AED for the purpose of saving a human life without being penalized for violating the Medical Practitioners' Act*."

Polyplastics' Fuji plant has now introduced AED. AED training was held for employees so that everyone can use AED with confidence if it becomes necessary.
A total of 54 new and veteran employees attended the training and practiced using the AED machine to learn how to operate it and precautions for its use. The employees who participated said it was a valuable experience and gave them a taste of what it might be like to actually be called on to save a human life.

*Certain conditions must be fulfilled, however, in order not to be considered in violation of the Medical Practitioners' Act.

Omron Corporation, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and controller such as sensors as well as health and medical devices, is proceeding with various efforts in order to abide by its fundamental quality policy as a manufacturer. It is to ensure that "anywhere in the world, the basic requirements for product safety are met, including avoidance of purchase of defective parts, and prevention of production and supply of defective products." (Quoted from the website of Omron Corporation.) One of its activities is the line certification system which verifies the quality of its suppliers' production lines.
On September 29, 2008, the Fuji Plant received the line certification as a quality partner, having satisfied Omron's quality standards for resins. Our company will continue to strive for quality improvement and respond to our customers' needs.

I'm Hidehito Sugihara and I've just become the new editor of P-Mates.

In March, I was transferred to the Human Resources Department from the Polymer Group in the Fuji Plant's Production Department. In the Polymer Group, I worked on the shift system and was mainly involved in PBT/LCP manufacturing. Now most of my work is desk work, which is completely different from the type of work I used to doing.

Right now I'm just concentrating on getting used to the atmosphere of the new workplace and am busy at my computer in the effort to become a productive member of the Human Resources Department as soon as possible. Now that my work duties are so different, I don't get much chance to be physically active. But I have more time to be with my family on the weekends, so I go the park with my two children, which is physically and mentally refreshing.

I'll do my best as the editor of P-Mates and I hope you will all continue to be faithful readers.