This question is at the heart of the new research project “Under Construction: Human rights and working conditions in the construction industry in the context of climate change”, launched at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI-GMR). The project is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation and runs from July 2026 to June 2027.

Climate change is already having a tangible impact on the working conditions of many people. Those who perform physically demanding work outdoors – such as workers in the construction sector – are particularly affected. However, existing occupational health and safety regulations in Austria and Germany do not yet comprehensively address these climate-related challenges. Against this background, the research project examines whether current labor protection frameworks provide sufficient protection and where legal or policy action may be required.

The project focuses on the actual protection needs of workers and explores how existing occupational health and safety regulations can be adapted to the impacts of climate change. It provides a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks in Austria and Germany, linking legal research with insights from medicine, occupational science and climate research.

In addition to comprehensive literature and legal analysis, the project includes exchanges with experts from academia and practice. Focus group discussions, qualitative interviews and a validation workshop will contribute to developing practical and implementable recommendations.

The findings will be published in a comprehensive final report as well as a concise and accessible Research and Policy Brief. The aim is to develop evidence-based recommendations for workers’ and employers’ representatives as well as policymakers in Austria and Germany.

The project is led by Camilla Haake at the LBI-GMR and is part of the research group Sustainability, Development, Business and Social (NEWS).