Japan to start fining employers for workplace heat

From 1 June, Japan will introduce fines for companies that fail to provide adequate conditions during hot weather in the workplace, according to Bloomberg.

Special safety measures will come into force if the temperature exceeds +31°C for one hour or for a total of four or more hours per day.

If an employee feels unwell, the employer is obliged to arrange for them to be transported to hospital. Companies that fail to comply with the temperature requirements may be fined up to $3,475.

Large Japanese companies are already adapting their work schedules to weather conditions and using sensors to monitor employee temperatures. A local courier service is ready to provide 75,000 workers with vests equipped with fans.

Incidentally, last year, heat in the workplace caused the deaths of 30 people in Japan, with 1,200 more suffering injuries.