Fears Rising Over Impact of Climate Change on Site Safety

THREE-QUARTERS of construction workers say they are concerned about the impact of climate change on site safety as the UK prepares for winter.

The survey, commissioned by SafeSite Facilties, revealed a worrying picture of increasing hazards on site due to climate change events and rising concerns over whether the industry is prepared.

Those fears will come into focus over the coming months as the UK prepares for storm season, having seen five major storms in the winter of 2024-25.

Storm Eowyn in January 2025 was the most powerful windstorm in the UK for more than a decade, bringing red warnings, severe impacts and a number of fatalities. It saw gusts of up to 92 miles an hour, with a million homes without power at the peak of the storm.

The survey, conducted by Censuswide across August and September 2025, reached 500 UK construction professionals aged 18-55.

Key findings from the survey showed:

• 75% of those working in construction are worried about the impact of climate change on site safety over the next five years.
• 54% said sites have been closed down at least two times over the last five years because of climate change events.
• 25% say their site is unprepared for extreme heat, lightning or flooding.
• 22% say their site is unprepared for storms and 17% for high winds. The figure for wildfires is even higher at 30%.
• 37% have already experienced the impact of extreme heat (rising to 43% in commercial construction).
• 34% have already experienced flooding (rising to 38% in residential construction).
• 33% have already experienced high winds.

Paul Goossens, Operations Director at SafeSite Facilities, said: “As winter approaches the implication for construction sites of further major storms is obvious, with many workers feeling their sites are unprepared. With rising temperatures in summer there are now major threats across all seasons.

“It’s clear concern about the impact of climate change is running high across the construction industry with many having experienced the effects of climate change on site already.

“Construction sites managers need to start thinking seriously about preparing for winter, especially when it comes to health and safety.

“It’s likely we will need to deal with multiple storms hitting 50 to 100 miles per hour and the risks on site will multiply fast. Every site should have a clear winter safety strategy in place which plans for an uptick in extreme weather.”

Impacts of Climate Change

The impact of climate on site safety comes through clearly in the survey, with workers saying they have already suffered from injuries due to:

• Heat stress and heatstroke: 25% (up to 31% for construction labourers)
• Slips and falls due to ice, snow or flooding: 25% (up to 28% for construction labourers)
• High winds destabilising scaffolding, cranes, temporary structures: 23% (up to 26% for construction labourers and project managers)
• Electrical hazards: 23% (rising to 34% for site supervisor)
• Feeling too cold to work: 21% (rising to 23% for project managers)
• Sunburn: 21% (up to 34% for safety officers)
• Frostbite: 15% (rising to 26% for construction labourers)
• Lack of focus: 14% (up to 20% for safety officers)

Dr Lowellyne James, HSEQ Manager at Safesite Facilities, added: “As climate change intensifies construction businesses must recognise the growing impact on site safety and workforce wellbeing.

“Rising temperatures, extreme weather and climate-related anxieties will continue to contribute to increased absenteeism and mental health strain.

“To mitigate these risks, companies should consider implementing resilience and mental health training, establishing structured communication platforms for worker concerns and aligning wellbeing strategies.

“Prioritising psychological safety alongside physical protections helps build a more resilient workforce and ensures operations are better prepared for future climate challenges.”

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