With every degree that temperatures rise, construction workers are increasingly at risk of heat stress. These unsung heroes of our cities, highways and houses are facing conditions that put their health — and sometimes even their lives — on the line. The construction industry is a pillar of our global economy, but climate change is pushing workers to the brink. The time to act is now.
At La Isla Network (LIN), we’re tackling this head-on. Through research and hands-on solutions, we are working to make sure that those who build our cities are protected. We need the industry to join us. Matthijs Nieuwenhuis, Director of European Development, made this call and presented LIN’s story at the Building and Wood Workers‘ International (BWI) Global Justice Summit in Geneva, Switzerland on November 7.
The Silent Crisis: Heat Stress on the Job
Construction work is often physically demanding outdoor labor, and this makes it especially vulnerable to heat stress, which is increasingly worsened by climate change.
According to a 2024 International Labour Organization (ILO) report, “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,” construction workers are among the most impacted by the rising temperatures. While construction is essential to our infrastructure and economy, we are seeing an increase in heat-related health issues that are preventable.
In Europe, about 23% of all workers encounter high temperatures for significant portions of their day. For construction workers, however, that number doubles to 45%. In the United States, heat-related fatalities in construction have jumped 18.6% just in the past year, according to OSHA. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a wake-up call.
Why the Construction Industry Can No Longer Ignore Climate Change
LIN, alongside international researchers like Andreas Flouris (University of Thessaly), Dr. Zachary Schlader (Indiana University, Bloomington), and Dr. Fabiano Amorim (University of New Mexico), has been studying these effects closely. Our studies reveal just how challenging these conditions are. In one of our recent studies at a construction site in the U.S. Midwest:
The risks differ from task to task. Roofers, for instance, face more exposure than workers under shaded structures. Imagine working on a roof or laying concrete in this state. It’s not only dangerous; it’s unsustainable.
Making the Change: Practical Steps for the Industry
The construction sector is not without options. The following are measures that can make a real difference at work sites.
- Create Heat-Specific Alerts: Tailor warnings based on job type and intensity, allowing workers to take precautions based on real-time conditions (WBGT).
- Equip Sites with Cooling Resources: Simple measures like misting fans, shade, and dedicated rest areas can drastically reduce core temperatures and prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Promote Hydration and Acclimatization: Ensuring workers drink at least 750 ml before starting their day and another 750 ml every hour can prevent dehydration. Allowing workers to gradually adapt to high temperatures can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress.
- Develop Localized, Task-Specific Interventions: Customize protocols based on the climate, task, and duration to provide targeted protection.
The Path Forward: Building with Purpose
Protecting construction workers in a changing climate isn’t just about the right thing to do — it’s essential to the sustainability of the entire industry. As heat risks continue to rise, inaction will lead to lost work hours, health crises and financial losses that will impact everyone, from workers to developers to communities. Many of those at risk are the most vulnerable and most essential for our economies. We have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to make sure that those who are the foundation of our economies and societies are not left behind. No one should be ill or even die as a result of the building of our houses.
Take Action with La Isla Network
At La Isla Network, we’re committed to building a future where construction workers can do their jobs safely, no matter the climate. We invite industry leaders, policy-makers, and unions to work with us to make this vision a reality. Together, let’s lay the foundation for a safer, more resilient tomorrow.
Workers around the world are fighting extreme heat right now. We are running a fundraising campaign through the end of the year, with a goal of raising $15,000. With a tax-deductible donation today, you can be part of the solution.
How will your donation enable La Isla Network to protect workers’ health and lives? Through cutting-edge research, expert consultation and strategic communication, we are empowering businesses to foster safer, healthier environments for their employees. This not only improves individual lives but also strengthens entire industries and communities.
Your support enables us to:
- Conduct vital research that informs evidence-based policies and practices.
- Consult with organizations to implement proactive health measures that prevent future crises.
- Educate and raise awareness on the importance of occupational health, impacting the wellbeing of countless workers worldwide.
Your contributions will help fund vital research, pilot new monitoring systems and implement field-tested interventions in some of the world’s most demanding labor environments.
Heat is becoming extreme year-by-year. We live in a changed world. When extreme becomes the norm, your action becomes essential. Together, let’s build a safer future for those who harvest the world’s food, build our homes and ensure our livelihood. Donate today to support our mission and give back to workers today!
La Isla Network is an occupational health research and advisory nonprofit dedicated to ending heat-related illnesses among workers and their communities worldwide. We develop and implement data-driven worker protection and management assessment protocols to improve the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat stress. Our work is backed by best-in-class researchers, industry leaders and government and multilateral institutions like the ILO. For more information please email in**@la***********.org .
