This is a crucial policy document from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Research Group on the Future of the Workers' Compensation Insurance System," providing comprehensive examination of reform directions for the workers' compensation insurance system to address changing work environments and new risks. The research group, composed of academic experts, labor and management representatives, and medical professionals, held 12 meetings from April 2024 to June 2025, examining current system analysis and reform proposals.
Current system challenge analysis shows that work-related accidents are shifting from traditional "accident-type" to "disease-type," with work-related mental disorders, cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases, and occupational diseases recognition cases increasing about 40% over the past decade. Particularly, with the spread of telework, diversification of work styles, and increase in elderly workers, cases difficult to address under conventional system frameworks are increasing. Additionally, the increase in non-employment workers such as freelancers and gig workers (estimated 4.7 million) necessitates urgent review of workers' compensation coverage scope.
Regarding mental disorder recognition, clarification and acceleration of recognition criteria emerge as critical challenges. Current recognition periods average about 8.7 months, causing serious economic burden for injured workers. More objective and predictable criteria establishment is required for evaluating psychological stress factors including power harassment, excessive work, and workplace relationships.
Regarding telework-related challenges, determining work-relatedness for accidents during work at home or other locations is increasingly difficult. For commuting accidents, the traditional "commuting route" concept requires review due to increased direct travel patterns. Additionally, addressing new health risks such as VDT work-related health disorders and mental stress from prolonged online meetings becomes challenging.
Regarding coverage expansion for freelancers, two approaches are considered: expanding the "worker" concept or enhancing the special enrollment system. The special enrollment system currently covers about 280,000 people, but reforms are proposed to cover more workers through expanding eligible occupations, simplifying enrollment procedures, and improving benefit content.