One third of EU workers are exposed to climate change-related risks ─ such as extreme heat, extreme weather events or poor air quality, a survey by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has revealed. In parallel, 31% of workers are concerned about the impact of environmental risks on their safety and health at work.  

These insights form part of EU-OSHA’s latest OSH Pulse 2025 worker survey: Occupational safety and health in the era of climate and digital change, offering a timely snapshot of the challenges and risks stemming from climate change, digitalisation and the psychosocial work environment that European workers face today. The survey also shows how workplaces are responding to safeguard workers’ safety and health. 

 33% of workers in the EU are exposed to at least one climate change-related risk factor, with 20% reporting exposure to extreme heat and 19% to poor air quality. Heat exposure is highest in sectors reliant on outdoor labour: 35% of workers in agriculture, horticulture, forestry or fishing report working in extreme heat, along with one in four in construction and the energy sector. Almost one in ten workers highlight heat-related symptoms or illnesses such as heatstroke, dizziness or cramps. Moreover, over one in ten workers face intense sun while working, which is recognised as a cancer risk factor. 

Regional differences are clear, with workers in Southern Europe experiencing the highest exposure, reflecting more frequent heatwaves and environmental degradation. Although more than 50% of employers have introduced preventive measures such as shaded rest areas or heat-adapted schedules, implementation is uneven, highlighting the need for climate-resilient planning and investment across all industries. 

In addition, one in five workers are worried that their current job and tasks will change as a result of measures introduced to prevent the risks associated with climate change. This reflects a growing sense of eco-anxiety ─ the fear or distress caused by environmental changes and their potential impact on health. 

New infographics on climate change, psychosocial risks and mental health, and digitalisation give a quick overview on the main findings. 

Read the press release

Download the full report or summary More information about the OSH Pulse 2025