Detailed Report on Kubota's Asbestos Compensation in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture (2005)

Detailed Report on Kubota's Asbestos Compensation in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture (2005)

In Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, the former Kanzaki factory of Kubota has been the center of severe health issues caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos, widely used in construction materials and insulation, is known to cause serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma when inhaled.

At Kubota's Kanzaki factory, asbestos-containing products were manufactured from 1957 to 1975. The handling of asbestos at the factory, as well as its dispersal into the surrounding air, led to numerous health issues among both factory workers and nearby residents. These health problems became more evident after the factory was closed, and in the early 2000s, many local residents were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Subsequent lawsuits and investigations revealed the full extent of the contamination.

In 2005, Kubota decided to provide compensation to the affected residents and former employees for the health damages caused by asbestos exposure at the factory. The compensation covered individuals diagnosed with diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma, particularly among those living near the factory. The total compensation is reported to amount to around 3 billion yen. This decision marked the company's commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility.

Kubota's compensation program extended widely to residents, becoming a model case for asbestos victim relief. The decision to offer compensation was based on the established link between asbestos-related diseases and the factory's operations. Careful investigations were conducted into the victims' medical histories and residential backgrounds.

In addition, Kubota strengthened its internal asbestos countermeasures and actively participated in the removal of asbestos from public facilities and schools. Alongside the Japanese government's tighter asbestos regulations, Kubota's case has highlighted the urgent need for asbestos removal and safety management nationwide.

This Kubota case has drawn significant attention across Japan as a crucial example of how corporations should take responsibility for environmental impacts and provide compensation to those affected by their actions.