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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Japan firms to face fines if they fail to protect workers from heat waves
By Shoko Oda, Yui Hasebe and Aaron Clark Tougher rules being enforced in Japan will see employers fined if they fail to take adequate precautions to protect workers from extreme temperatures. The revised legislation, which came into effect June 1, is a rare global example of a national-level policy on heat safety for employees, and comes after 30 workplace deaths and roughly 1,200 injuries last year associated with high temperatures, according to health ministry data. Most of those affected worked in construction or manufacturing. Japan's government moved to strengthen protections following last summer's searing heat — which included the highest July temperatures on record, the ministry said in a statement. Businesses will face potential penalties including fines of 500,000 yen ($3,475) if provisions aren't sufficient. Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high body temperature that can result in severe organ damage if not treated quickly. There were almost half a million heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, according to a report last year by the World Health Organization. Along with public health impacts, higher temperatures can impact worker productivity and there's growing concern about the economic toll that heat waves have on economies. Global average temperatures exceeded 1.5C degrees above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024 and new highs are forecast to be recorded over the next five years, according the World Meteorological Organization. Japan's legislation requires employers to implement protocols to quickly spot and aid workers showing symptoms of heatstroke. Policies encourage companies to use a buddy system at work sites, distribute wearable devices to monitor staff, and provide emergency transportation to hospitals or clinics. Employers are urged to monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index, a gauge of heat stress in direct sunlight that takes into account factors like temperature and humidity. Specific measures are required for work sites where the index value exceeds 28C or an atmospheric temperature of 31C for more than one hour, or for a total of four hours or more in a single day. A worker performing moderate work intensity loses half of their work capacity at 33C to 34C (91F-93F), according to a 2019 study from the International Labor Organization. The same report estimated the economic impact of heat stress by 2030 at $2.4 trillion if greenhouse gas emissions aren't cut. 'We are working on measures such as taking breaks according to the heat index and measuring internal body temperature using wearable devices,' said a spokesperson for Shimizu Corp., one of the nation's largest general contractors, which employs more than 20,000 people. The company said it is constantly updating its heatstroke policies. Parcel delivery service Yamato Transport Co. plans to distribute 75,000 fan-equipped vests to workers, including those who use carts and bicycles to drop off packages. It's also installing 3,000 wet bulb index measuring devices at business locations to better track working conditions. The measures are not in response to the new law, the company said. California and Washington are among US states to have developed similar rules on worker protections, and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed setting a federal standard. There were an average 40 recorded fatalities a year in the US related to environmental heat between 2011 and 2020, according to the Department of Labor.
Bloomberg
30-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Spain's Blackout to Trump Turmoil Lead BNEF Summit Conversations
By , Mark Chediak, Shoko Oda, and Laura Millan Save Couldn't make BloombergNEF's annual summit in New York? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Today's newsletter has five takeaways from the first day. Also, as energy experts try to piece together what caused this week's massive blackout in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, our Madrid-based reporter looks at how critics of renewables are already taking the opportunity to point the blame at the increasing supply of solar power. For unlimited access to climate and energy news, please subscribe.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bain Is Said to Near $3 Billion Deal for Mitsubishi Pharma Unit
(Bloomberg) -- Bain Capital is nearing a deal to buy Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.'s pharmaceutical unit, people familiar with the matter said, adding to a dealmaking boom in Japan. Citadel to Leave Namesake Chicago Tower as Employees Relocate State Farm Seeks Emergency California Rate Hike After Fires Transportation Memos Favor Places With Higher Birth and Marriage Rates San Francisco Wants Wealthy Donors to Help Fix Fentanyl Crisis NY Transit Advocate Says Billions in Tax Hikes Would Fix MTA The US-based private equity firm and Mitsubishi are finalizing details of a transaction that could be announced as soon as Friday, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. A deal could value Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma at more than ¥500 billion yen ($3.3 billion), the people said. Bain has emerged as the likeliest buyer for the Japanese pharmaceutical company after outbidding other investment funds, the people said. Talks are still ongoing and no final decisions have been made, the people said. A representative for Bain declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Mitsubishi Chemical said the company is not the source of the report, and that it will disclose quickly if there are any matters that need to be in the future. Nikkei first reported last month that Bain had emerged as the preferred bidder for the Mitsubishi unit. Bain has been ramping up investment in Japan, a hive of dealmaking activity. The Boston-based firm is duking it out with KKR & Co. for Fuji Soft Inc., with KKR this week once again raising its offer for the Japanese software company. --With assistance from Shoko Oda. Orange Juice Makers Are Desperate for a Comeback Inside Elon Musk's Attack on the US Government Believing in Aliens Derailed This Internet Pioneer's Career. Now He's Facing Prison Amazon and SpaceX Want In on India's Satellite Internet Market Elon Musk Inside the Treasury Department Payment System ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
