Air temperatures and occupational injuries in the construction industries: A report from northern Italy (2000–2013)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between environmental temperatures and occupational injuries (OIs) in construction workers (CWs) from a subalpine region of North-Eastern Italy. Data about OIs from 2000 to 2013, and daily weather for the specific site of the events were retrieved. Risk for daily OIs was calculate through a Poisson regression model. Estimated daily incidence for OIs was 5.7 (95%CI 5.5–5.8), or 2.8 OIs/10,000 workers/d (95%CI 2.7–2.9), with higher rates for time periods characterized by high temperatures (daily maximum ≥35°C), both in first 2 d (3.57, 95%CI 3.05–4.11) and from the third day onwards (i.e. during Heat Waves: 3.43, 95%CI 3.08–3.77). Higher risk for OIs was reported in days characterized temperatures ≥95th per-centile (OR 1.145, 95%CI 1.062–1.235), summer days (daily maximum ≥25°C, OR 1.093, 95%CI 1.042–1.146). On the contrary, no significant increased risk was found for OIs having a more severe prognosis (≥40 d or more; death). In conclusion, presented findings recommend policymakers to develop appropriate procedures and guidelines, in particular aimed to improve the compliance of younger CWs towards severe-hot daily temperatures.