9th 'Safety Sign and Human Development Contest' Announced

MAX Co., Ltd. (Security Code: 6454) is holding the 9th 'Safety Sign and Human Development Contest.' The contest consists of two categories: the 'Safety Sign Category,' featuring safety signs created with the 'Bepop' system to improve workplace awareness, and the 'Workplace Autonomous Activity Category,' for initiatives other than safety signage. Applications will be accepted exclusively via their website from Monday, June 8, to Friday, July 31.

This contest aims to enhance the safety awareness of employees by encouraging them to think and work together to create safety signs through 'workplace autonomous activities.' The 8th edition received 139 entries from 83 companies, expanding the network of safe workplaces and human development.

[About the Contest] Bottom-up initiatives conducted autonomously in the workplace are essential for building a safe workplace with high awareness. The contest was launched with the hope of providing an opportunity for everyone to think about safety signs, to review them at least once a year, or to engage in safety activities with goals and motivation.

In recent years, the 'Safety Exchange Meeting' held after the awards ceremony has gained attention, serving as a platform for safety managers from winning companies to interact and improve their safety awareness.

The contest's initiatives were recognized in February 2026, when it received the top 'Gold Award' in the 'Inter-Corporate Collaboration Category' of the 'SAFE Award 2025,' sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

[New 'Safety Story Award'] Starting this year, the 'Safety Story Award' will be established. Experts in safety will select winners based on 'hazard identification,' 'improvement processes,' 'behavioral changes,' and 'on-site learning.' The award emphasizes the story behind the signage—why it was needed and the discussions or innovations involved—rather than just the appearance of the sign.

Contest Overview Purpose: To raise safety awareness toward zero accidents by encouraging workplace participation. Categories: 'Safety Sign Category' (using Bepop) and 'Workplace Autonomous Activity Category' (other initiatives). Schedule: Application period from June 8 to July 31, 2026; Results announced in early December 2026; Awards ceremony and safety exchange on January 22, 2027.