Climate Risks and Workplace Safety: OSH Pulse 2025 Findings

Climate Risks and Workplace Safety: OSH Pulse 2025 Findings

Sep 24, 2025 .

Climate Risks and Workplace Safety: OSH Pulse 2025 Findings

One in three EU workers face climate-related risks. Exposure includes extreme heat, severe weather, and poor air quality. 31% of workers report concern over health and safety from environmental conditions.

33% face at least one risk factor. 20% report extreme heat, 19% poor air quality, over 10% intense sun exposure. Outdoor sectors show highest exposure. Agriculture, forestry, fishing: 35% exposed to extreme heat. Construction and energy: 25%. Nearly 10% report heat-related illness.

Regional differences are clear. Southern Europe shows highest exposure due to heatwaves and environmental degradation. More than half of employers provide measures such as shaded rest areas or adapted schedules. Application remains inconsistent.

20% of workers fear job or task changes as a result of climate risk prevention measures. Eco-anxiety is rising.

Workload pressure persists. 44% of workers report severe time pressure or overload. Health and social care: 50% report overload, 41% insufficient recognition. Burnout and shortages are ongoing.

Mental health stigma remains. 48% believe disclosure of a condition could harm career prospects. Younger and precarious workers report highest concern. Most workers state willingness to discuss mental health with managers, indicating slow reduction of stigma.

Access to support is unequal. 66% of large company workers report access to wellbeing resources. Micro companies: 42%. Northern and Western Europe show stronger systems, other regions lag.

Digitalization is entrenched. 90% of workers use digital technologies. One in three use advanced tools such as AI systems, robots, or wearables. 25% are monitored through digital systems. 27% receive tasks via automation. Risks include excessive control, stress, reduced autonomy, and isolation.

William Cockburn, EU-OSHA Executive Director: nearly three in ten workers suffer stress, depression, or anxiety linked to work. One third worry climate change threatens their safety and health. Priority is adaptation to climate effects, reduction of mental health stigma, and ethical integration of digital systems.

Resources published: EU-level infographics, country factsheets, full report, summary.

Relevance lies in training, compliance, and structured responses to climate risks, mental health pressures, and digitalization challenges in the workplace.

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