National Insurance Institute to Pay Benefits: Court Ruling
A pharmacist sued the National Insurance Institute, claiming that years of prolonged standing at work caused him to develop varicose veins. The court determined a causal link between his working conditions and his medical condition, leading the Institute to reverse its initial decision.
A 45-year-old pharmacist, who worked for approximately 15 years in an HMO pharmacy, has won recognition from the National Insurance Institute after claiming that the varicose veins and venous insufficiency he suffers from were caused by years of working while standing. According to his claim, he was required to stand for most of his shift—between 5.5 and 8 hours a day—with almost no opportunity to sit.
According to the court ruling, the National Insurance Institute initially rejected the claim, stating it had not been proven that the condition constituted a work-related injury under the micro-trauma principle, and noting that varicose veins are not classified as an occupational disease. Following this decision, the pharmacist filed an appeal with the Regional Labor Court.
During the proceedings, the court appointed a vascular surgery expert to examine the case. The expert determined that prolonged standing increases venous pressure due to reduced calf muscle activity and is a recognized risk factor for the development of varicose veins. It was further noted that taking a few steps during work does not significantly reduce the load on the legs.
Upon receiving the expert opinion, the National Insurance Institute announced it would accept the findings and recognize the pharmacist's claim. The Regional Labor Court in Haifa granted the agreement the status of a judgment and ordered the National Insurance Institute to pay the pharmacist 4,000 shekels in legal expenses.
