Perspectives on the Prevention of Death from Overwork and Related Conditions, as Observed from the Characteristics of Cases Among Special Enrollees in Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Self-Employed Individuals, Small and Medium-sized Business Owners, Sole Proprietors, etc.).

Abstract

This report covers 88 cases of cerebrocardiovascular diseases and 28 cases of mental disorders and suicides resulting from excessive workload and psychological stress among special enrollees in workers’ compensation insurance, including sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, small and medium-sized business owners. Analysis by type of special enrollment, age, gender, size of the business, industry and occupation, and reasons for recognition revealed that excessive workload and mental health issues stem from: （1） working conditions in retail, accommodation and food services, agriculture, and fisheries, which are characterized by daily operations, customer interactions, busy seasons, and labor shortages, which limit discretion in managing working hours; and （2） working conditions seen in the construction industry, where sole proprietors as individual contractors, as well as small business executives leveraging their expertise, are integrated into the supply chain. This dependency, resembling employment, restricts discretion in managing working hours, leading to overwork/excessive workload.