Toyota Worker in Japan Dies After Excessive OT

Two article links, sent to me by a few readers:

Court: Toyota Employee Was Worked to Death

Widow of Toyota worker questions labor practices

At a first quick read, this seems like a “Japan problem” more so than a “Toyota problem.” But, even if that is the culture in Japan, where people work themselves to death (and the law/regulatory structure allows it to happen), shouldn't Toyota hold itself to a higher standard, given their “respect for people” ideal? Shouldn't we hold Toyota to a higher standard?

To those who have read more or thought more about this, what do you think about the situation? To those who know Japan better, how do you read this situation? I'm curious what you think, click “comments.”

Here's Kevin Meyer's take over at Evolving Excellence.

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Mark Graban

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.