Reuters: Japan's Record High Temperatures, Government Forces Companies to Ensure Outdoor Workers
Reuters reported on July 7 that Japan is experiencing abnormal high temperatures. On July 7, the temperature in Tokyo soared above 35 degrees Celsius, setting a new record for the highest temperature this year. The Japanese government issued heatstroke alerts in 30 out of 47 prefectures on the same day, which is the most prefectures to issue alerts this year. Previously, the country had just experienced its hottest June on record. Faced with the escalating threat of heat waves, the Japanese government implemented new labor safety regulations starting in June, requiring companies to provide heat protection for outdoor workers. At a construction site for an apartment building in Tokyo, workers from Daito Trust Construction have worn specially designed air-conditioned jackets. These jackets use cooling fans on the back and thermoelectric effects to enhance cooling. The company has distributed these jackets to 1,500 workers. Atsushi Mizutani, a 47-year-old construction worker, said, "After wearing the vest, I sweat less and can maintain my energy." Construction workers are a high-risk group for heatstroke. Data from the Japanese Ministry of Labor shows that in 2023, this group accounted for nearly 20% of heatstroke deaths or cases in workplaces. The total number of heatstroke cases has more than doubled compared to ten years ago. Takami Okamura, a 57-year-old experienced worker, remarked, "In the past, without air-conditioned vests, fewer people fainted. Now it has become a necessity, showing how intense the heat is." The new regulations clearly require employers to provide breathable clothing, shade facilities, and rest areas with air conditioning or shade.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837033022432587/
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