Amendments to the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Working Environment Measurement Act have been enacted and promulgated in May 2025. This article looks at particularly important points in the law amendments and explains about the National Safety Week in July.
[1] Key points in the amendment to the Industrial Safety and Health Act
Particularly important points for business owners are “the promotion of safety and health measures for private business operators” and “stress check.”
The amendment covers private business operators in the measures to prevent occupational accidents. Companies are required to take the following measures to protect not only their employees, but also private business operators involved in their projects.
1. Lay down measures that must be implemented by the ordering party (strengthening of measures to prevent accidents in operations involving private business operators, etc.) and establish the necessary structure to execute the ILO Convention No. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health Convention.) (Implemented on April 1, 2027)
2. Specify measures to be implemented by private business operators (receive safety and health training, etc.) and set rules on reports of occupational accidents. (To be implemented on January 1 and April 1, 2027)
There have been changes regarding stress check, currently a requirement for companies (workplaces) with 50 or more workers. In the future, smaller workplaces will also be required to conduct stress check. The rule is to be enforced on the date specified by Cabinet Order within three years of promulgation. Please check updates in the pamphlets and other information to be released by the Labor Ministry.
[2] National Safety Week
The Labor Ministry designates the period from July 1 to 7 every year as the National Safety Week. Various efforts are launched from June 1 to 30, as the preparation period as below.
1. Publish safety promotion materials.
2. Promote the initiative via various media.
3. Conduct safety patrols.
4. Hold seminars on workplace safety and organize workshop for companies to exchange opinions and introduce case examples.
5. Offer safety and health awards.
6. Cooperate on the events of “Citizens’ Safety Day” (July 1).
7. Provide advice and support for companies’ safety measures.
8. Organize other events to promote the “National Safety Week.”
From June 2025, companies have become required to implement measures to prevent heatstroke in the workplace. The guidelines for the National Safety Week also include heatstroke prevention as one of the areas where employers’ continuous efforts are required. Under the new rule, companies need to establish a structure to notice cases of heat stress early and ensure that workers are informed of the set of prevention measures. If your company has yet to implement necessary measures, please take action swiftly.
[Reference]
The Ministry of Labour, “Revision bills”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/topics/bukyoku/soumu/houritu/217.html
“The National Safety Week”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_57195.html
“Prevention of heatstroke at work”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000116133.html
The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
