Every year, the period from July 1 to July 7 is designated as “the National Safety Week.” During this period, the Labor Ministry and prefectural labor bureaus call for increased effort to prevent work-related accidents. The Labor Ministry has recently disclosed industrial accidents data for 2024. This article looks at the current status of industrial accidents and what efforts are being made.
[1] Industrial accidents resulting in deaths or injuries
During the period from January to December 2024, 135,718 workers took leave of absence for four or more days or died due to industrial accidents (excluding cases related to COVID-19). The figure rose by 347 from the previous year, increasing for four consecutive years.
By business category, the largest 26,676 workers were involved in accidents in manufacturing (down 518 workers, year-on-year), followed by the commerce sector including retailing, which reported 22,039 cases (up 366). The health and hygiene sector including social welfare facilities had 18,867 cases (up 81) and the land transport industry logged 16,292 cases (up 77).
By accident types, the most common in the manufacturing was “caught in or between (machines),” followed by “falls to the same level.” In retailing, “falls to the same level” was most common, followed by “reaction to motion or improper motion” and “falls from height.” In social welfare facilities, “falls to the same level” topped the list and “reaction to motion or improper motion” was also common.
[2] Age-friendly subsidy, “Exercise guidance course for the prevention of falls and low back pain”
To prevent falls that lead to industrial accidents, the Labor Ministry provides the Age-friendly subsidy’s “Exercise guidance course for the prevention of falls and low back pain.” The aim is to prevent accidents attributable to workers’ functional losses. The subsidy is provided to cover expenses for physical function check and exercise guidance by experts.
To receive the subsidy, companies need to satisfy all of the following requirements.
1. Invite an expert to conduct motor function test for applicable workers.
2. Based on 1, engage an expert to provide exercise guidance (in-person guidance) to applicable workers.
3. To assess the effect of 2, engage an expert to check improvements in applicable workers’ motor function.
The subsidy covers three-fourths of actual expenses up to a ceiling of 1 million yen.
Application must be submitted by October 31, 2025. If the total amount of subsidies reaches the budget, the ministry may stop accepting application earlier. The Age-friendly Subsidy has been established for companies to utilize professional support in improving facilities or receiving guidance and prevent senior workers’ industrial accidents. In addition to the “exercise guidance course,” companies can choose “comprehensive measures course,” “office improvement course,” “collaborative health course.” Since a company cannot apply for multiple courses, please check details carefully and choose a course that suits the company’s situation.
[Reference]
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “Status of industrial accidents ”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/roudoukijun/anzeneisei11/rousai-hassei/
“Age-friendly subsidy”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_09940.html
*The information is based on laws and regulations as of the date of the original article.
