A tragic case in China has led to a significant legal ruling, as a man in his 30s died after working 104 consecutive days with only one day off. In response, a Chinese court mandated the company pay 400,000 yuan (approximately $75,000) in compensation.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the man had signed an employment contract. He started working at a project site in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, in February of the previous year.
The grueling work schedule was a major factor in the case. From February to May 2023, the man worked non-stop, taking only April 6 off. After experiencing health issues, he took sick leave on May 25, but his condition rapidly worsened, leading to hospitalization and his death on June 1.
His family contends that his sudden death was caused by overwork and has sued the company. The company, however, argued that the workload was manageable, claiming that the man’s overtime was voluntary and attributing his death to pre-existing health conditions.
The court found that the cause of death was sepsis and multiple organ failure due to a pneumococcal infection. The court noted, “This illness is not a pre-existing condition but an acute disease, typically occurring in winter, spring, or during flu season. Individuals with weakened immune systems or those exposed to virulent bacteria are more susceptible.” The court also identified clear violations of labor laws by the company.
As a result, the court held the company responsible for the man’s death, attributing it to the excessive working hours that led to overwork and weakened his immune system. The court awarded 390,000 yuan (about $73,600) in compensation, plus 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,900) for mental distress to the family, bringing the total to 400,000 yuan (around $75,000). Despite an appeal by the company, the appellate court upheld the original ruling.
