Chinese Man Overwork 104 day nonstop, dies from organ failure

Web India News: A tragic case highlights the dangers of excessive work hours. A 30-year-old Chinese painter, identified as A’bao, died from organ failure in June 2023 after working a grueling 104 days straight with only one day off. 

A’bao had signed a contract in February 2022 and was assigned to a project in Zhoushan, China. From then until May, he worked tirelessly, exceeding the legal working hours according to Chinese Labour Law (8 hours per day, 44 hours per week). After feeling unwell on May 25th, A’bao finally took a sick day. However, his condition worsened rapidly, leading to hospitalization on May 28th. Doctors diagnosed him with a lung infection and respiratory failure, which ultimately led to his death on June 1st.

A’bao’s family filed a lawsuit against his employer for negligence. Social security officials initially denied classifying his death as work-related, but the family argued that the extreme work schedule weakened A’bao’s immune system and contributed to his passing. The company contested this claim, stating A’bao’s workload was reasonable and any extra hours were voluntary. They also cited pre-existing health conditions as a potential factor.

A Chinese court ultimately ruled in favor of A’bao’s family, holding the employer 20% liable for his death. The court acknowledged the violation of labor laws and the link between A’bao’s weakened immune system and the excessive work schedule. The family received a total of 400,000 yuan (approximately Rs.47,46,000) in compensation for financial losses and emotional distress. Although the company appealed, the original verdict was upheld in August.