Israeli Who Worked Standing Up Gets Compensation from Bituah Leumi

A Haifa court ruled that prolonged standing at work could have caused a pharmacist's varicose veins and ordered Bituah Leumi to pay compensation. The case sets a precedent for workers whose jobs involve long periods of standing.

A 45-year-old pharmacist who worked for about 15 years in a health fund pharmacy succeeded in having varicose veins recognized as an occupational disease. The National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) initially rejected his claim, but after an expert examination ordered by the Haifa Regional Labor Court, it reversed its position. A vascular surgeon confirmed that prolonged standing increases venous pressure and is a risk factor. The court approved a settlement requiring the agency to pay 4,000 shekels in legal costs. The case may set a precedent for other workers whose jobs involve long periods on their feet.