This study will determine whether extreme ambient temperatures increase the incidence and severity of occupational injuries in Israel, and we request Helsinki Committee approval to conduct the analysis using de-identified National Insurance and historical meteorological data, with a waiver of informed consent. The project will link the date, time, and geographic location of recognized occupational accidents with corresponding historical temperature and humidity measurements. The study is retrospective, observational, and involves no direct contact with participants, no intervention, and no alteration of medical care or benefit eligibility.
Inclusion Criteria:
For time-specific analyses, a valid recorded accident time permitting linkage to the closest preceding three-hour meteorological observation.
Exclusion Criteria:
Occupational injuries occurring in the northern valleys and inland northern region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the location of the workplace or accident. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the nearest representative monitoring station, including Dafna, Tavor Kadoorie, or Nazareth. This region is characterized by inland climatic conditions with substantial seasonal variation in temperature and humidity. Accident occurrence and severity will be evaluated in relation to temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring along the northern Mediterranean coastal region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the location of the workplace or accident. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Haifa Technion monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by a Mediterranean coastal climate, with relatively high humidity, moderate winter temperatures, warm summers, and frequent sea-breeze effects. Accident occurrence and severity will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring within the central Mediterranean coastal region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the workplace or accident location. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Tel Aviv Coast monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by a warm Mediterranean climate, relatively high humidity, mild winters, hot summers, and frequent sea-breeze effects. The occurrence and severity of occupational injuries will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring within the southern Mediterranean coastal region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the workplace or accident location. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Ashqelon Port monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by a warm coastal Mediterranean climate, relatively high humidity, mild winters, hot summers, and frequent sea-breeze effects. The occurrence and severity of occupational injuries will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring within the central highlands region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the workplace or accident location. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Jerusalem Centre monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by higher elevation, lower average humidity than the coastal areas, greater day-night temperature variation, cooler winters, and warm, dry summers. The occurrence and severity of occupational injuries will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring within the Negev desert region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the workplace or accident location. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Avdat monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by an arid desert climate, very low relative humidity, intense solar exposure, high daytime temperatures, substantial day-night temperature variation, and limited rainfall. The occurrence and severity of occupational injuries will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators.
Occupational injuries occurring within the Dead Sea and extreme arid region will be assigned to this geographic-climatic division according to the workplace or accident location. Meteorological exposure will be determined using data from the Massada monitoring station or the nearest available representative station. This region is characterized by very low elevation, an extremely hot and arid climate, low annual rainfall, intense solar radiation, prolonged periods of extreme heat, and substantial seasonal temperature variation. The occurrence and severity of occupational injuries will be evaluated in relation to ambient temperature, relative humidity, extreme heat, extreme cold, and other predefined environmental indicators. Wind speed will be analyzed when reliable measurements are available.
Rishon LeZiyyon, 7526557, Israel
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