Prevention and future issues of karoshi and suicide by overwork in Japan

Abstract

Since death from overwork became a social problem, the enactment of laws and the establishment of standards for certification, as well as improved actions on both the company and worker sides have been made. However, there is rarely a day in which news reports on death from overwork, suicide by overwork, power harassment (bullying in the workplace, which is so-called power harassment in Japanese), etc. are not heard. This paper discusses “death from overwork/karoshi,” a common social problem worldwide, covering the evolution of “measures against death from overwork in Japan” and major cases, and describes the latest trends regarding current measures against death from overwork and cooperation, mainly between healthcare professionals and the legal process.

After summarizing how death from overwork and suicide by overwork became established as a social problem, as well as preventive policies, the Act on the Prevention of Death from Overwork, a review of the criteria for certification, activities by workers and their families who are suffering from overwork and stress in the workplace, and the activities of lawyers who have developed nationwide consultation services such as “Death from Overwork 110,” this paper provides a detailed explanation of the legal. In addition, we explain in detail the legal procedures to be taken when death by overwork or suicide by overwork occurs.

Medical professionals in the field of occupational health and judiciary professionals who work on the legal aspects of labor issues need to work together to combat and provide support regarding death from overwork. Until such time as death from overwork is eradicated, it is necessary to support relief for cases that have occurred and to educate society at large.