A programmer in his 30s who died in a company restroom shortly after clocking in has been denied recognition as a work-related death in China, drawing criticism. Authorities said he had logged his arrival but went to the restroom before turning on his computer and beginning actual work.
According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on the 25th, a 39-year-old man surnamed A, who worked as a programmer at a company in Shenzhen, China, was found collapsed in a company restroom in April and died.
A, a father of two, arrived at the office and logged his attendance that morning as usual. He then went to a second-floor restroom instead of going up to the 11th floor, where his office was located.
A did not return for a long time and was eventually found unconscious in the restroom. Company staff administered first aid, but he died. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
The company later applied to have A's death recognized as a work-related injury, but the local human resources and social security bureau rejected the application in July.
Authorities cited that A "was not at his work station and was not performing his duties" when he was found. Although he had logged his arrival, he went to the restroom before moving to his desk, turning on his computer or starting work, so he could not be considered to have begun working, the bureau concluded.
A's family strongly objected and has filed for an administrative review of the decision, according to the report.
The family also emphasized that A had endured long working hours. He had worked at the company for about four years, and vehicle records showed he frequently left the office about three hours after normal closing time.
In the month he died, he left the office around 9 p.m. on most days, and his latest departure last year was 1:44 a.m.
The case has fueled debate amid broader concerns about long working hours in China. The SCMP reported that growing concern surrounds the mental and physical health effects on workers as long hours and overtime persist, particularly in China's tech industry.
Local internet users also criticized the decision, with comments such as "workers' rights are not being protected," "human life must come first above all else" and "using the restroom is an extension of work."
