Health & Safety Japan amps up health and safety protections for independent contractors Firms need to update shared-site policies as heat stroke season approaches iStock.com/show999 Image Chantelle Cloete Reporter Thursday 14 May 2026 Japan has introduced broader duty of care requirements under new legislation, meaning businesses will need to ensure their health and safety policies provide ample coverage for both permanent emplo Get AccessContinue reading International Employment LawyerAlready have access? Login now Email Enter your email address. Password Enter the password that accompanies your email address. Reset your passwordLog in Need access? Find out how to enjoy unlimited accessGet access For more on legislative change across the globe, see the IEL Monitor – IEL’s forward-looking tracking tool that covers developments in labour and employment law around the world. You might also like... Culture Tokyo tells workers to wear shorts to the office in latest “Cool Biz” campaign Remuneration Japan tightens rules on equal pay, perks to address labour shortages Wellbeing Japan’s bosses risk jail if found dodging new heat stroke rules Mental Health 7-Eleven manager dies after working half a year straight