Ahead of new regulations mandating heat illness prevention at workplaces, the Fukuoka Labour Bureau held a briefing for over 140 representatives from construction and manufacturing firms. Officials reported a record-high 70 heat illness-related workplace injury claims in Fukuoka Prefecture last year, including one fatality. Starting June 1, companies must establish response systems for workers showing symptoms and implement protocols to prevent severe outcomes, such as on-site cooling and medical transport.
An occupational health expert from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health emphasized the effectiveness of specialized cooling workwear and rapid body cooling before emergency services arrive. One participating company representative said rising summer temperatures are prompting investment in high-powered spot coolers.
At a condominium construction site in Fukuoka’s Higashi Ward, new wearable devices that detect rising body temperatures have been introduced. Alarms alert workers when their arm temperature exceeds 37.4°C. Measures like group chats for real-time alerts, hydration protocols, and mutual monitoring among workers are being strengthened to comply with the new mandate. Source: NHK
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