Nuclear plant workers at risk of depression, death from overwork

 FUKUSHIMA —

Tokyo Electric Power Co workers engaged in efforts to stabilize the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant are at risk of depression or death from overwork, a doctor who recently saw them said Wednesday.

The workers are not only undertaking dangerous work in severe conditions but also feel a sense of moral responsibility as employees of the firm to blame for the nuclear disaster, Takeshi Tanigawa said.

Some of them were also victims themselves of the March 11 quake and tsunami that triggered the nuclear crisis, and faced with the deaths of relatives or friends, the workers are exposed to multiple stresses, he said.

‘‘Many are complaining of difficulty sleeping and the risks of depression and death from overwork will rise further if this goes on,’’ he said after examining some 90 TEPCO workers from Saturday through Tuesday.

At the end of each day, workers are decontaminated and go to the Fukushima Daini (No 2) nuclear plant some 10 kilometers to the south to sleep on the floor of a gymnasium there in sleeping bags with blankets. There are tatami mats on the floor and a sheet to insulate from the cold, he said.

Among the workers was one who was engaged in work around the clock without being allowed to go out at one point, he said.

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http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/nuclear-plant-workers-at-risk-of-depression-death-from-overwork-doctor


(Comments by an author)
According to a news source I read today, their working condition is really severe.  It says that they are eating canned/packaged food mainly, and haven't been able to bathe during the mission.
THIS HAS TO CHANGE DEFINITELY!

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・Japanese Red Cross
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