Environment Japan introduces cooling toilets and other measures to fight the heat

Japanese companies are stepping up efforts to protect employees from extreme summer heat by introducing measures such as air-conditioned prefabricated toilets at construction sites and shortening working hours. The push comes after the government introduced rules in June last year requiring employers to take effective steps to prevent heat-related illnesses as Japan continues to experience increasingly severe summers. Companies that fail to comply with the requirements face penalties.

Daito Trust Construction Co., a major rental house construction firm and real estate developer, had installed modular toilet units equipped with ventilation and mist cooling systems at two construction sites in Tokyo by mid-July. "In consideration of the rising number of female field supervisors, we will make sure these toilets are clean and neat," said a Daito Trust official. With the company planning to spend around 150 million yen ($950,000) in the current fiscal year through March on measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, the units, installed with solar panels, feature antibacterial coatings.

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Companies are also trying a range of other measures to reduce heat stress. Major contractor Obayashi Corp. has shortened construction site hours during July and August from 8 am–5 pm to 7 am–1 pm, saying reducing the risk of heat-related illness takes priority. The company said it would extend working hours during cooler periods if projects risk falling behind schedule. Elsewhere, Imabari Shipbuilding is developing an inner garment that cools the wearer as they sweat, while food delivery company Demae-can began distributing drink vouchers to its delivery riders in July to help them stay hydrated.