Do exposure to outdoor temperatures, NO2and PM10affect the work-related injuries risk? A case-crossover study in three Italian cities, 2001–2010

Abstract

ObjectivesStudies on the effect of temperature on rates of work-related injuries (WRIs) are very recent, and are evolving in depth and scope. However, less is known about potential effects of air pollutants. Our objective was to analyse the association between WRI and NO2, PM10and air temperature in three major Italian cities, and to identify groups of workers more at risk in Italy.DesignTime-stratified case-crossover study.SettingsMilan, Turin, Rome, years 2001–2010.ParticipantsA total of 468 816 WRI occurred between 2001 and 2010 in Milan, Turin and Rome were extracted from the Italian national workers’ compensation authority database.Main outcomesAssociations between WRI and temperature, PM10, NO2, separately in the warm and in the cold season (WS, May–September; CS, November–February). Effect modification was studied by economic sector, occupational activity and indoor/outdoor job activity.ResultsExposure to NO2(lag 0–8) showed the highest effect on the risk of WRI,with ORs ranging from 1.20 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.24) in Milan to 1.30 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.37) in Turin in the WS. The effect of exposure to PM10was milder but consistent across all cities: ORs from 1.09 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.12) in Turin to 1.15 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.18) in Rome. Temperature was associated with risk of WRI only among those working in construction (highest association in Rome 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12), transportation (highest association in Milan 1.05; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.14) and the energy industry (highest association in Milan 1.57; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.38) in the WS in all cities. A weak effect of low temperatures was observed in the CS only in Rome.ConclusionsExposures to NO2resulted as strongest hazard for WRIs, mainly in warm months, while the independent effect of temperature was significant only in specific subgroups of workers. These results could be considered to better plan safety prevention programmes.