Extreme weather fears grow 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 per cent were frightened by high winds, 16 per cent by flooding and 15 per cent by lightning.

It also showed more than a third of construction workers were experiencing climate change related weather events at work, with 37 per cent 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 per cent (rising to 27 per cent in residential construction)
• Flooding 16 per cent (rising to 20 per cent in infrastructure and heavy civil construction)
• Lightning 15 per cent (up to 22 per cent in residential construction)
• Extreme heat 15 per cent (rising to 21 per cent in industrial construction)
• Wildfires 12 per cent (rising to 18 per cent in environmental and energy construction)
• Power cuts 11 per cent
• Storms 9 per cent (rising to 16 per cent in environmental and energy construction)
• None 3 per cent

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 per cent (up to 43 per cent in commercial construction)
• Flooding 34 per cent (up to 38 per cent in residential construction)
• High winds 33 per cent (up to 42 per cent in residential construction)
• Lightning 31 per cent (up to 35 per cent in industrial construction)
• Power cuts 30 per cent (up to 35 per cent in industrial construction)
• Storms 27 per cent (up to 30 per cent in residential construction)
• Wildfires 19 per cent (up to 31 per cent 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.”