First Fukushima Cleanup Worker Awarded Compensation

Japan's labor ministry has confirmed that a recovery worker involved in the cleanup work at the Fukushima nuclear plant has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 41-year-old unnamed man, who worked at the plant from 2012 to 2013 after the disaster, was diagnosed with lukemia in January 2014. Although medical experts were unable to confirm whether the man's leukemia was as a result of his exposure to radiation, his total exposure of 19.8 millisievert was mostly from working at the plant.

Japan's Health and Labor Ministry, who says it will provide compensation to the man, said:

"We offer our honest sympathy for the cooperating company's worker, and will continue to tackle [dose] reduction and thorough [dose] management at a work environment"

Shinzo Kimura, associate professor of radiation and hygiene at Dokkyo Medical University, said:

"This is a landmark decision from the viewpoint of workers' rights, and it's probably just the tip of the iceberg."

Approximately 45,000 people have worked at the Fukushima nuclear plant during its multi-billion-dollar cleanup operation, with contractors being exposed to more than double the average dose of radiation received by employees.

If you've suffered as a result of industrial disease from poor working conditions, contact our compensation solicitors on 0845 603 0708 for advice.

Compensation Solicitors