Japan enforces new worker safety rules as extreme heat grips Tokyo

Monday, 7 July, was another extremely hot day in Japan. A strong heatwave hit the country, and Tokyo recorded its highest temperature so far this year.

Authorities issued heat warnings in 30 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, the most this year. This follows a record-hot June and shows a worrying trend of rising summer temperatures.

In response, Japan started new work safety rules last month. Employers must now protect workers from heat risks. Measures include providing light, breathable clothing, shaded or air-conditioned rest areas, and overhead covers to block direct sunlight.

At a construction site in Tokyo, where it passed 35°C, workers wore special cooling jackets with built-in fans. About 1,500 workers across Japan now use these vests.

One worker, Atsushi Mizutani, said the vest helps him sweat less and keep his strength. Another worker, Takami Okamura, said these vests have become essential as the heat has grown worse.

Construction workers are especially at risk. In 2023, almost 20% of workplace heatstroke cases in Japan were from this sector. Overall, heatstroke incidents at work have more than doubled in ten years.

Copied