Research published in the annual Dräeger Safety & Health at Work Report has outlined a rising risk of a major industrial disaster, with 50% of construction workers reporting that the risk of such an event in their sector is higher today than it was ten years ago
The report also explores the rise of ‘near misses’ in workplace safety, with 51% reporting that such events have increased in the last two years.
Matthew Bedford, managing director, Draeger Safety UK, explained: “Over the past six years, the landscape of workplace health and safety has continued to shift, shaped by the immediate disruption of the pandemic, ongoing financial pressures, global instability, and changing workforce expectations as new generations enter employment.
“The findings of the 2026 report reflect a wider environment of ongoing global uncertainty and volatility, and concerningly, suggest that the ‘perfect storm’ of factors affecting workplace safety and health, as highlighted in last year’s report, may be closer to making landfall than is comfortable.”
Major industrial disaster could be caused by global volatility
When it comes to the reasons behind the concerning findings, global volatility and uncertainty appear at least partly to blame, with almost three-quarters (72%) saying that supply chain disruptions have made it harder to obtain parts, materials, or support, and a further 69% reporting that global uncertainty has increased stress and fatigue, contributing to workplace errors or unsafe behaviours.
Frequent organisational changes or strategic shifts, driven by external volatility, are also making safety harder to manage, according to 61% of participants in the research.
Global uncertainty is increasing operational pressure, making it harder for people to focus on safety-critical tasks.
60% of construction workers feel employers don’t see growing dangers
Perhaps most concerningly, 60% of those working in construction say their employers don’t realise how bad things are ‘on the ground’ when it comes to workplace safety.
Respondents also report that staff fatigue, pressure to do more with less, rising stress levels among workers, and a reluctance among employees to speak up are to blame for the rise in near misses.
Bedford concluded: “If there is one clear message for health and safety professionals, it is that the warning signs are now unmistakable. It is imperative that organisations listen and act.”
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