[Japan]Nuke workers at risk of overwork death(Fukushima Karoshi?)

Japan Times ^ | 04/20/11

[TigerLikesRooster]

Depression, stress, poor sanitation, diet: doctor

Nuke workers at risk of overwork death

Kyodo

Tokyo Electric Power Co. workers engaged in efforts to stabilize the crisis-hit Fukushima No.1 nuclear plant are at risk of depression or death from overwork, a doctor who recently examined them said Wednesday.

The workers are not only undertaking dangerous work in severe conditions but also feel a sense of moral responsibility as employees of the operator of the crippled plant, Takeshi Tanigawa said in an interview.

Many of the workers have been exposed to multiple stresses, he said, as some of them barely survived the March 11 quake and tsunami, as well as subsequent hydrogen explosions that wrecked the plant's reactors, while others lost their homes or saw kin or friends die.

"Many are complaining of difficulty sleeping and the risks of depression and death from overwork will rise further if this goes on," the doctor said after examining some 90 Tepco workers from Saturday through Tuesday at the nearby Fukushima No. 2 plant.

[TigerLikesRooster]

P!

[Lou L]

Hopefully these workers will be able to eventually walk away and live the rest of their lives peacefully...and hopefully TEPCO, or the Japanese government will see to it that they receive huge “hazardous duty” pay bonuses so their families won’t ever have to worry about their futures.

[Iris7]

Not surprising. The Japanese are very emotional.