Extreme weather Fears on UK Construction Sites

 

High winds, flooding and lightning were named the climate change events that scared construction workers the most.

The findings were revealed in a survey of 500 UK construction professionals, commissioned by SafeSite Facilities, which showed 19% were frightened by high winds, 16% by flooding and 15% by lightning.

It also showed more than a third of construction workers were experiencing climate change related weather events at work, with 37% saying they had worked in extreme heat.

The Met Office found 2025 was the warmest and sunniest since records began, with four of the UK’s last five years now appearing in the top five warmest years since 1884.

The impact of extreme weather came through strongly in the survey, with construction workers saying the climate change events which frightened them the most were:

• High winds 19% (rising to 27% in residential construction)
• Flooding 16% (rising to 20% in infrastructure and heavy civil construction)
• Lightning 15% (up to 22% in residential construction)
• Extreme heat 15% (rising to 21% in industrial construction)
• Wildfires 12% (rising to 18% in environmental and energy construction)
• Power cuts 11%
• Storms 9% (rising to 16% in environmental and energy construction)
• None 3%

Jack Lowdell, manager at SafeSite Facilities, which delivers site safety products to construction companies nationwide said: “Extreme weather events are set to increase with climate change and construction sites need to be prepared.

“It’s clear concern about climate change is growing across the construction industry, with many already experiencing dangerous weather conditions while on site.

“As we head into 2026 site managers should be thinking carefully about how they prepare for heatwaves, storms, heavy rain and lightning strikes. Every project should have a clear safety plan in place for extreme weather.”

Extreme weather events experienced on construction sites included:

• Extreme heat 37% (up to 43% in commercial construction)
• Flooding 34% (up to 38% in residential construction)
• High winds 33% (up to 42% in residential construction)
• Lightning 31% (up to 35% in industrial construction)
• Power cuts 30% (up to 35% in industrial construction)
• Storms 27% (up to 30% in residential construction)
• Wildfires 19% (up to 31% in environmental and energy construction)

Dr Lowellyne James, HSEQ manager at SafeSite Facilities, added: “Climate change is increasingly being described as the ‘ultimate threat multiplier’, intensifying risks across industries and construction is no exception.

“Rising temperatures, more extreme weather and growing climate anxiety are already affecting workers on site, contributing to fatigue, stress and absenteeism.

“Providing resilience training, clear channels for raising concerns and stronger wellbeing support will be essential if the industry is to cope with the increased challenges climate change will bring.”

SafeSite Facilities is a leader in construction, event site safety and security.

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