What are the heatstroke prevention measures that Obayashi Corporation will implement during the hot summer period?

Starting from July to August, Obayashi Corporation will change the working hours at construction sites that meet the conditions to 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Why are the working hours being changed?

This is to reduce the risk of heatstroke by concentrating work during the cooler hours before the temperature and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) rise, given the high number of heatstroke-related injuries and fatalities in the construction industry over the past five years.

Will the working hours be changed at all construction sites?

The initiative targets domestic construction sites, but the implementation and operation methods will be individually assessed based on the specific working environment and content of each site.

What heatstroke prevention measures has Obayashi Corporation implemented in the past?

Obayashi Corporation has implemented measures such as work management based on WBGT values, ensuring break times, introducing temporary air conditioning facilities, and mandating the use of cooling vests and wearable devices that detect heat stress for all personnel.

Obayashi Corporation Initiates Work Hour Changes at Construction Sites During Peak Heat Periods

Q: How will the impact on the project schedule be addressed?

If there are concerns about the impact on the project schedule, adjustments will be made throughout the year, such as extending working hours during relatively cooler periods, to ensure both safety and productivity.

Published May 21, 2026 7:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 9:16 AM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Obayashi Corporation is initiating a new initiative to mitigate heatstroke risks at construction sites by shifting working hours to 7:00 AM–1:00 PM during the peak heat period of July and August.

As the increasingly severe summer heat becomes a significant societal issue, Obayashi Corporation is initiating an effort to shift working hours at qualified construction sites across Japan during the peak heat period (July–August) to further mitigate heatstroke risks.

1. Background According to reports on casualties due to heatstroke in the workplace (2021–2025), the construction industry has the second-highest number of incidents following the manufacturing industry, making the reduction of heatstroke risks an urgent priority. These measures are essential not only for protecting the lives and health of skilled workers but also for ensuring construction quality and stable project execution.

Obayashi has consistently implemented heatstroke prevention measures, including作業 management based on WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) values, ensuring rest periods, and introducing temporary air conditioning equipment. Additionally, since last year, all personnel involved in site work have been required to wear air-conditioned clothing and wearable devices that monitor and alert them to heat-related risks. Building on these measures, Obayashi is now focusing on adjusting working hours.

2. Initiative Overview This initiative targets the period from July to August, when heatstroke risks are at their highest. To concentrate work during hours before temperatures and WBGT values rise, working hours at construction sites will be changed to 7:00 AM–1:00 PM.

In cases where this schedule may affect project progress, adjustments will be made throughout the year, such as extending work hours during cooler months, to ensure both worker safety and the maintenance of quality and productivity.

Target Period: July – August Target Sites: Domestic construction sites (implementation decided based on site-specific environment and content) Working Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Standard hours are typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

3. Future Outlook Obayashi will continue to enhance heatstroke prevention measures at construction sites and remains committed to improving site safety and creating better working environments.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

Obayashi Corporation Initiates Work Hour Changes at Construction Sites During Peak Heat Periods

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