Japanese Construction Workers Sue for 6.6 Billion yen
A group of 178 construction workers and members of their families as well as families of deceased workers have filed a 6.6 billion yen suit against the government and 46 manufacturers when they claim did not “swiftly ban the production and use of construction materials containing asbestos.”
According to an article in the Asahi Shimbun, the plaintiffs, many of whom are suffering from asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, are each demanding about 38.5 million yen in compensation for their suffering.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs note that this is the first time a group of workers filed a suit against the government for asbestos-related claims. It was also noted that this is one of the largest suits of its kind ever filed in Japan.
“The construction workers handled construction materials containing asbestos in the Tokyo metropolitan area starting in the 1960s,” the article explains. “Many have since died of lung cancer, mesothelial tumors and other ailments. About half of the plaintiffs are bereaved family members.”
The plaintiffs’ argument states that “the Japanese government should have heeded warnings from international organizations in 1972 that asbestos could be a carcinogen and taken steps to ban the production and use of the substance.”
The complaint also cites Japan’s Building Standards Law, which authorizes the use of construction materials containing asbestos. It also holds the industry ministry responsible for approving the material under Japanese Industrial Standards.
A 2006 law provides monetary relief for workers and residents living near asbestos-related plants who are not covered by labor accident compensation insurance. But the plaintiffs say the compensation amount offered is too small, the article notes.
