Industrial accident records in 2023 included 1,106 serious cases of heatstroke that resulted in leave of absence from work for at least four days. That included 31 fatal cases, which was worse than a year ago. The Labor Ministry has launched the “Stop heatstroke! Cool work campaign (hereinafter, “the Campaign”)” and designated from July 1 to 31 as the period of focused effort. Companies are encouraged to take measures to prevent heat stroke in the workplace.
[1] Definition of heat stroke
Heatstroke is a collective term for physical problems that occur when the balance of water or salt (sodium) in the body is destroyed or the function to adjust body temperature does not work in a hot and humid environment. Symptoms include giddiness, fainting, muscle pain or muscle rigidness, excessive sweating, headache, sickness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sinking feeling, disturbed consciousness, convulsions, disorder of hand and foot movements and high body temperatures. Some of these symptoms are also referred to as heat syncope, heat cramp, heat fatigue, or thermoplegia.
[2] Measures to be implemented during the Campaign period
The Campaign period is from May 1 to September 30, during which various measures will be taken, focusing on the following three points.
1. Promote understanding of WGBT heat index and encourage taking appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke.
2. Provide health and safety training at work to supervisors and workers in advance.
3. Take appropriate measures for workers who have conditions that might facilitate heatstroke, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, based on a physician’s advice.
[3] Measures during the period for focused effort
During the period to focused effort, companies are encouraged to implement the following measures. Please ensure necessary measures have been taken in the workplace.
- Check if the heat index has lowered and implement additional measures if needed.
- Make sure workers take a break according to the heat index.
- Encourage workers to take enough water and salt and check if they do so.
- Examine workers’ physical status before starting work and check the situation in the workplace more frequently.
- Provide training to raise awareness about growing risk of heatstroke.
- If a worker shows a sign of illness, call an ambulance without hesitation.
The Labor Ministry’s website, “Useful information to prevent heatstroke at work” provides tips to prevent heatstroke at work, including three important points or the importance of getting used to heat gradually. Please use these information and implement precautious measures.
[Reference]
The Labor Ministry
“Stop heatstroke! Cool work campaign”
STOP！熱中症 クールワークキャンペーン／厚生労働省｜厚生労働省 (mhlw.go.jp)
“Useful information to prevent heatstroke at work”
*The information is valid as of the date of this article.
