A total of 312 people became eligible for workers' compensation due to brain and heart illnesses induced by excessive work in fiscal 2003, according to labor ministry statistics released Tuesday.

Some 157 of the 312 have died, the statistics show.

The 312 marks a slight decrease from the 317 recorded the previous year, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.

Meanwhile, those deemed eligible for compensation due to suicide or mental illness came to a record 108, the figures show.

Of the 312, 297 were male and 15 female, with those in their 50s and individuals working in the transport and communications fields comprising the bulk of cases.

Among those deemed eligible for compensation due to suicide or mental illness, 77 were male and 31 female, the data show.

According to the ministry, the number of those with brain and heart illnesses who applied for workers' compensation in the year fell by 114 from fiscal 2002 to 705.

The figures show that those who applied for workers' compensation after suffering mental disorders, such as depression, and as a result committed suicide or attempted to do so, rose by 97 from fiscal 2002 to a record-high 438.