A Legal Study on Japan’s Occupational Heat Illness Prevention for Workers under Heatwaves: Focusing on the 2025 Amendment of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations and the WBGT-Based Multi-Layered Framework

doi:10.15683/kosdi.2025.9.30.759

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2025 Vol.21, Issue 3 Preview Page Next Page

Original Article

A Legal Study on Japan’s Occupational Heat Illness Prevention for Workers under Heatwaves: Focusing on the 2025 Amendment of the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations and the WBGT-Based Multi-Layered Framework 폭염 대응을 위한 일본의 근로자 온열질환 예방 법제 연구: 2025년 개정 노동안전위생규칙과 WBGT 지수 기반 다층적 대응체계를 중심으로: 신유리^1,2*
Yulee Shin^1,2*; ¹Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Legal Studies, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
²Adjunct Professor, Department of Police Science, Semyung University, Jecheon, Republic of Korea

30 September 2025. pp. 759-767

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Abstract

Purpose: This study examines Japan’s legal and institutional framework for preventing occupational heat- related illnesses under the climate crisis and explores implications for Korea. It focuses on the WBGT index legislation, the revision of JIS Z 8504, implementation guidelines, and the nationwide “STOP! Heatstroke, Cool Work Campaign” as elements of a multi-layered system. Methods: A literature review and normative analysis were conducted on Japan’s heatstroke prevention policies and laws. Materials such as the Basic Guidelines for the Prevention of Heatstroke in the Workplace, the revised JIS Z 8504, and related campaigns were analyzed and compared with Korea’s Industrial Safety and Health legislation. Results: Japan’s system features: (1) scientific, index-based risk assessment; (2) clarified principles and procedures; (3) multi-level institutional coordination; and (4) integration of hard and soft law. Conclusion: Korea’s framework remains insufficient in using scientific indicators, linking institutions, and fostering preventive culture. Legal adoption of the WBGT index, tailored guidelines, and tripartite campaigns are needed to strengthen protection of workers’ health rights.

Keywords

Climate Crisis

Heatwave

Heatstroke

Heat Illness

WBGT Index

JIS

Occupational Safety and Health(OSH)

ISHA

Industrial Safety and Health Regulations(ISHR)

연구목적: 본 연구는 기후위기 심화로 구조화된 폭염 리스크에 대응하기 위해 일본의 근로자 온열질환 예방 법제도를 분석하고, 한국 법체계 개선 방향과 입법과제를 제시하는 데 목적이 있다. 특히 WBGT 지수 법제화, JIS Z 8504 개정, 실행 가이드라인 및 사회적 캠페인이 결합된 일본의 다층적 제도체계를 검토하여 국내 적용 가능성을 도출한다. 연구방법: 일본의 온열질환 예방 정책·법제에 대한 문헌분석과 규범분석을 실시하고, ｢직장에서의 열사병 예방 기본대책요강｣, JIS Z 8504 개정안, ‘STOP! 열사병 쿨워크 캠페인’ 등을 한국 산업안전보건법령과 비교하였다. 연구결과: 일본의 근로자 온열질환 예방 체계는 ▲과학적 지표 기반의 위험성 평가, ▲기본 원칙과 세부 절차의 명확화, ▲다층적 제도 연계, ▲경성 규범과 연성 규범의 결합 등과 같은 특징을 가진다. 결론: 한국의 폭염 대응 법체계는 일본과 달리 과학적 지표를 활용한 객관적 위험성 평가, 다층적 제도 간 유기적 연계, 사회적 캠페인을 통한 예방문화 확산 측면에서 미흡하다. 따라서 ▲WBGT 지수 법제화, ▲산업·사업장 맞춤형 가이드라인 마련, ▲노사정 참여형 캠페인 확대 등을 통해 근로자 건강권 보장을 위한 법제 기반 강화가 요구된다.

키워드

기후위기

폭염

열사병

온열질환

WBGT 지수

일본산업표준(JIS)

산업안전보건

노동안전위생법

노동안전위생규칙

References

Archelis Inc. (2025). “[2025 Edition] Legal obligations for heatstroke measures in the workplace and the three duties companies must implement.” Tachishigoto no Mikata, July 5, 2025.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (2017). Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment — Assessment of Heat Stress using the WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) index (ISO 7243:2017) (Introduction & clause 3.1). Geneva.
Japanese Society of Biometeorology (JSB) (2023). Guidelines for the Prevention of Heat Illness in Daily Life, Ver.4 (English edition). Japanese Society of Biometeorology, Tokyo, pp. 12-15.
Al Jazeera English (2025). “Japan and South Korea record hottest summers in history.” Al Jazeera English, September 1, 2025.
KBC (2025). “More than half of heat illness industrial accident deaths occur in small-scale workplaces… 3 people died again this year.” KBC Gwangju Broadcasting, June 8, 2025.
KBS (2025). “Record-breaking heatwave threatens outdoor workers’ safety—Half of heat illness victims were inexperienced new employees.” KBS News, Aug 15, 2025.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). Basic Measures for Prevention of Heat Stroke in the Workplace [職場における熱中症予防基本対策要綱の策定について]. Kyoto Labour Bureau, Kyoto Labour Bureau, Kyoto, Japan.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). 2024 “Occurrence status of heatstroke-related work accidents at workplaces” (Final Figures). MHLW, Tokyo, p. 2.
Rōmu Search Editorial Team (2025). “Heatstroke countermeasures in the workplace mandatory from June 1 with penalties — What companies should do.” Rōmu SEARCH, June 3, 2025.
Toyama Labour Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). “Strengthened Measures for Heatstroke Prevention in the Workplace (enforced June 1, 2025).” Toyama Labour Bureau News & Topics, June 1, 2025.
Wariishi, H., Tanaka, T (2025). “Trends in the dissemination of WBGT and international standards following the implementation of the Climate Change Act to promote well-being.” International Journal of Japan Academic Society of Hospitality Management, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 59-65.
Yonhap News (2025). “Half of heat-related industrial accidents occur in small workplaces—Three workers have already died this year.” Yonhap News, Jun 8, 2025.

Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Disaster Information
Publisher(Ko) :한국재난정보학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
Journal Title(Ko) :한국재난정보학회논문집
Volume : 21
No :3
Pages :759-767
DOI :https://doi.org/10.15683/kosdi.2025.9.30.759

[1] Archelis Inc. (2025). “[2025 Edition] Legal obligations for heatstroke measures in the workplace and the three duties companies must implement.” Tachishigoto no Mikata, July 5, 2025.

[2] International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (2017). Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment — Assessment of Heat Stress using the WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) index (ISO 7243:2017) (Introduction & clause 3.1). Geneva.

[3] Japanese Society of Biometeorology (JSB) (2023). Guidelines for the Prevention of Heat Illness in Daily Life, Ver.4 (English edition). Japanese Society of Biometeorology, Tokyo, pp. 12-15.

[4] Al Jazeera English (2025). “Japan and South Korea record hottest summers in history.” Al Jazeera English, September 1, 2025.

[5] KBC (2025). “More than half of heat illness industrial accident deaths occur in small-scale workplaces… 3 people died again this year.” KBC Gwangju Broadcasting, June 8, 2025.

[6] KBS (2025). “Record-breaking heatwave threatens outdoor workers’ safety—Half of heat illness victims were inexperienced new employees.” KBS News, Aug 15, 2025.

[7] Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). Basic Measures for Prevention of Heat Stroke in the Workplace [職場における熱中症予防基本対策要綱の策定について]. Kyoto Labour Bureau, Kyoto Labour Bureau, Kyoto, Japan.

[8] Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). 2024 “Occurrence status of heatstroke-related work accidents at workplaces” (Final Figures). MHLW, Tokyo, p. 2.

[9] Rōmu Search Editorial Team (2025). “Heatstroke countermeasures in the workplace mandatory from June 1 with penalties — What companies should do.” Rōmu SEARCH, June 3, 2025.

[10] Toyama Labour Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2025). “Strengthened Measures for Heatstroke Prevention in the Workplace (enforced June 1, 2025).” Toyama Labour Bureau News & Topics, June 1, 2025.

[11] Wariishi, H., Tanaka, T (2025). “Trends in the dissemination of WBGT and international standards following the implementation of the Climate Change Act to promote well-being.” International Journal of Japan Academic Society of Hospitality Management, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 59-65.

[12] Yonhap News (2025). “Half of heat-related industrial accidents occur in small workplaces—Three workers have already died this year.” Yonhap News, Jun 8, 2025.

Journal of the Society of Disaster Information ISSN:1976-2208(Print) 2671-5287(Online) 한국재난정보학회논문집

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