Association between air temperatures and occupational injuries: a case-crossover analysis using workers’ compensation claims data in the construction industries in Northern Italy

Background and Aims : The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between high air temperatures and occupational injuries (OIs) occurred in construction workers (CWs) from the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT).  Material and Methods : Data about OIs for the APT from 2000 to 2013 occurring (N = 14,072) and daily weather were retrieved. On the basis of minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) values for air temperatures, assessed days were classified in “Neutral days” (Tmin > 0°, Tmax 25°C), “Summer days/Tropical nights” (Tmax > 25°C, Tmin 35°C). Daily average temperatures (Tday) were then categorized in 7 exposure groups ( 95th percentile (OR = 1.142, 95%CI 1.062 - 1.235). Colder days were seemingly associated with a protective effect (OR 0.892, 95%CI 0.831-0.957 for Frost days, and OR 0.854, 95%CI 0.746-0.978 for Tday < 5th percentile). Younger age groups were associated with increased risk for higher exposures. Conclusions : 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.