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MSDs and government
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of good health. In the wake of a number of high profile cases of employee death by overwork
(karōshi) and suicide as a result of work-related stress, the MHLW has introduced policies
requiring greater attention to the general health of employees and the promotion of improved
work-life balance (JILPT, 2012). As a result, not only the occupational physicians are now
required to inspect working conditions, but they must also carry out annual health checks of
employees and provide education on the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. MSDs could be
incorporated into this programme, providing an opportunity for the early detection of MSDs in
the workplace and more widespread awareness of the effect of MSDs on productivity and the
efficacy of preventative measures. Despite these potential benefits, the explicit links between
work-related MSDs and psychosocial issues are yet to be reflected in occupational health and
safety policy (Inaoka, 2006).
The New Growth Strategy, passed by the cabinet in June 2010, aims for an economic growth
rate of 3 per cent (2 per cent in real terms) and reduction of the unemployment rate to 3 per
cent. In order to achieve this, the Employment and Personnel Strategy sets specific employment
targets for four population groups – youth, women, older people and people with disabilities.
The strategy calls for an increase in the employment rate of all sections of society to ensure that
all Japanese people can participate in the labour market according to their wishes and abilities.
Another key issue is raising awareness of effective ways of managing MSDs. Individuals are
often not aware of the positive effect that work can have on reducing the impact of their MSDs.
One of the most persistent (and pernicious) myths about back pain, for example, is that bed
rest is the best solution. Health promotion campaigns have been shown to be effective at
getting the message across that experiencing pain does not necessarily mean that the condition
has worsened or that being active is bad for you (Buchbinder, Jolley and Wyatt, 2001). In
Japan, there is conflicting advice concerning workers suffering from low back pain, but there
is evidence to suggest that advice to stay active may be more beneficial than advice to rest
(Matsudaira, Hara, Arisaka and Isomura, 2011).
4.2.2 Social security interventions
In response to the aging society and increasing social security burden, Japan has introduced a
number of social security reforms. While these measures are not specific to MSDs, they could
have a significant impact on the way MSDs are treated. For example, the latest round of reforms
concerning the medical system, introduced in 2012, aims for faster discharges from hospital and
a shift in focus to rehabilitation to ensure people can return to society as quickly as possible.
The reforms also aim to speed up the availability of new drugs (Cabinet Secretariat, 2011).
Fit For Work? Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Japanese Labour Market