All workers who work in Japan are covered by compensation for accidents sustained at work or accidents sustained while commuting to or from work. This protection applies equally to Japanese and foreign workers working in Japan. In cases where an employee is injured while at work, the employee is entitled to receive compensation during his or her absence from work in addition to having his or her medical expenses covered. This benefit can vary depending on the situation but it should amount to about 80% of the injured employee’s normal salary. This benefit will start to accrue starting after the fourth day of missed work.
When a permanent disability caused by the accident continues to affect the employee the company may also be responsible for paying a lump sum disability benefit as well.
If you have any questions about hiring or firing employees for your business in Japan, please contact our office for a legal consultation.