A new global report has found that construction workers are among the most vulnerable to the safety risks posed by climate change — and calls have been made for urgent action to address the growing threat.
The research, published by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s Global Safety Evidence Centre, highlights the significant impact of climate-related risks such as extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and severe weather events on the construction workforce.
The findings are supported by the Foundation’s World Risk Poll, which reveals that nearly one in five workers worldwide (18%) experienced harm at work in the past two years — a figure that rises to 22% for those in construction. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that workplace harm is responsible for up to three million deaths each year, with 12 out of every 100,000 construction workers experiencing a fatal injury.
The report suggests these risks are likely to increase as global temperatures rise. It states that the risk of workplace injury rises by 1% for every 1°C increase in temperature, and by over 17% during heatwaves — particularly in subtropical climates. This year, heatwaves have already gripped parts of Europe, with Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy experiencing temperatures above 40°C, while parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, have recorded highs between 42°C and 51°C.
Outdoor manual labourers, such as construction and agricultural workers, are highlighted as being at greatest risk — especially those working in regions prone to extreme heat, high humidity, wildfires, and poor air quality. The report also notes that migrant workers are among the most affected due to job precarity, limited health protections, and challenging work environments.
Despite these trends, the Foundation’s report emphasises a lack of comprehensive research into climate-related occupational health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Much of the existing data is region-specific and fails to address the diverse contexts in which construction workers operate.
Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “As the effects of climate change continue, the impact on work is also changing. This affects all of us, but some sectors and geographies stand to be more affected than others.
“There is a lack of evidence on how to protect workers from these growing risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Filling these gaps in knowledge should be an urgent priority — this work will enable lives and livelihoods to continue safely, and is essential to a thriving global economy.”
Hey added that where strong evidence already exists — such as around heat and UV risks — it should inform clear guidelines for employers to help safeguard their workforce. She called for improved knowledge-sharing and collaboration across sectors and geographies.
The Foundation’s report was released alongside a new white paper from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), which urges governments to include climate-related health and safety protections within labour laws and safety standards.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, commented: “The impacts of climate change are already being realised. Action to address climate change needs to happen at multilateral, national and local levels, including with businesses.
“It’s crucial we consider the impacts on people, and specifically on workers and vulnerable groups, so that adaptation and mitigation measures can be taken. We all have a role to play. Action needs to be taken — and fast.”
