Three-quarters of UK construction workers are worried about the impact of climate change on site safety, according to a new national survey commissioned by SafeSite Facilities.

The findings highlight growing concern across the industry as the UK enters storm season, following a winter of severe weather in 2024–25 that saw five major storms, including Storm Eowyn in January — the most powerful windstorm in more than a decade, with gusts reaching 92 mph and power outages affecting a million homes.

The research, carried out by Censuswide between August and September 2025, surveyed 500 construction professionals aged 18–55. It revealed that 75% of respondents fear the impact of climate change on site safety over the next five years, while 54% said their sites had been forced to close at least twice in the past five years due to climate-related events.

A quarter of workers said their sites were unprepared for extreme heat, lightning or flooding, with 22% citing a lack of readiness for storms and 17% for high winds. Worryingly, 30% reported that their sites were not prepared for wildfires.

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The study also found that climate-related incidents are already affecting construction projects. 37% of workers said they had experienced the effects of extreme heat on site, rising to 43% in commercial construction. 34% had dealt with flooding, and 33% had experienced disruption from high winds.

Climate hazards are also contributing to a range of injuries among workers. Reported incidents include:

• Heat stress and heatstroke – 25% (rising to 31% among labourers)

• Slips and falls due to ice, snow, or flooding – 25%

• High winds destabilising scaffolding, cranes, or temporary structures – 23%

• Electrical hazards – 23% (increasing to 34% among site supervisors)

• Feeling too cold to work – 21%

• Sunburn – 21%

• Frostbite – 15%

• Lack of focus due to weather-related strain – 14%

The survey suggests that climate change is not only increasing physical risks on site but also putting pressure on worker wellbeing, with extreme weather, rising temperatures, and safety concerns expected to contribute to higher absenteeism and mental health strain across the industry.

SafeSite Facilities said the findings underline the urgent need for construction firms to implement climate resilience strategies, including improved site safety planning for extreme weather, mental health support, and training to help workers manage evolving risks.

SafeSite Facilities operates across the UK, providing safety and security solutions for construction and event sites.

www.safesitefacilities.co.uk