Japan companies step up efforts to prevent heatstroke

As Japan grapples with soaring temperatures, companies are ramping up their efforts to safeguard employees from heatstroke. General contractor Obayashi has shifted construction site work to earlier hours, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., compared to their usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, in a bid to minimize the risk of heatstroke. If the shift impacts project timelines, work hours are extended during cooler periods.

West Japan Railway has rolled out a heatstroke prevention app for maintenance and inspection workers, offering information on protection measures. The railway plans to introduce short-sleeved polo shirts to about 15,000 station staff and crew members in September, as the uniforms provide better breathability and sweat absorption.

Seibu Railway is equipping mountainous region staff with air-conditioned recreational vehicles, previously requiring a 40-minute round trip to a rest area. Even commercial facilities, such as a rooftop beer garden at Matsuya department store, are taking steps, with employees using stickers from cosmetics company Fancl to monitor changes in body temperature.

These measures come after Japan revised the law on industrial safety and health last year, mandating businesses to implement heatstroke prevention strategies. A recent survey by Teikoku Databank revealed that 50% of companies experienced disruptions to their operations due to extreme heat in the previous year.