Japan's labor ministry plans to require companies to take measures to protect workers from abusive customers.

The ministry presented a draft plan to a panel of labor and management officials on Tuesday. It proposes to define the term "harassment by customers."

It lists three factors to define "harassment by customers." First, the abusive acts and words are made by customers, business partners, facility users and other involved individuals. Second is that the acts deviate from socially acceptable norms, and third is that they harm the working environment.

The ministry says to counter such acts businesses should clarify their policies on the issue and raise awareness among workers and customers.

It also says they should create systems to properly respond to workers' complaints about such harassment.

Officials also note that all customer complaints should not be regarded as harassment. They are considering incorporating the need to ensure that customer complaints that meet social norms are justifiable in guidelines for related legislation.

Some panel members said the government should help industries to create sector-specific manuals, given that responses to abusive customers differ among types of businesses.

Others also called for official support, citing limited financial and human resources at small and midsize businesses.

The labor ministry plans to finalize the plan by as early as the year-end after hearing panel debates.