Prevent in Construction
Why the construction industry can be a target for radicalisation, the role of prevent, and ways to reduce the risks
Our Prevent in Construction Series
Prevent in the Construction Industry
Why the Construction Industry Can Be a Target
- Construction employs a large, mobile, and diverse workforce, including agency staff, migrant workers, apprentices, and subcontractors.
Some workers may experience isolation, financial pressure, job insecurity, or limited support networks, making them more vulnerable to extremist influence.
Sites often involve groups of workers who may not know each other well, creating opportunities for harmful individuals to build influence unnoticed.
Long hours, stress, or conflict on site can make people more susceptible to individuals offering a sense of belonging or purpose
What Prevent Aims to Do
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy.
It focuses on stopping people from being drawn into extremism, regardless of background or beliefs.
In construction, Prevent aims to:
Raise awareness among employers and workers.
Help staff recognise early warning signs.
Promote safe reporting routes.
Build a culture where concerns are taken seriously.
Signs of Radicalisation
Sudden changes in behaviour or attitude.
Expressing extreme views or intolerance towards others.
Spending time with new groups who promote harmful beliefs.
Talking about violence as a solution to problems.
Becoming increasingly withdrawn or secretive.
Obsessive viewing of extremist content online.
What to Do if You’re Concerned
Do not confront the individual.
Notice unusual behaviour and report concerns early.
Speak to:
Your line manager or site supervisor
The organisation’s Safeguarding Lead
A Prevent officer (through formal channels)
Keep information factual and confidential—share only with the right people.
Remember: Prevent is about support, not punishment.
Preventing Materials Misuse
Terrorism prevention in construction is not only about spotting people but about protecting materials that could be misused.
Why Construction Materials Need Regulation
Certain materials can be used to make improvised explosives, fire accelerants, or chemical devices.
Common examples:
Fertilisers containing ammonium nitrate
Chemicals such as solvents, fuels, industrial adhesives
Small amounts of explosive materials used in demolition
Criminals or extremists may target construction sites because they can appear less secure.
Key Policies & Legal Requirements
The UK’s counter-terrorism approach (including Prevent) aims to stop access to hazardous materials.
Relevant regulations include:
Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations (EPP)
Health and Safety at Work Act – duty to protect materials on-site
Site security requirements under CDM
Companies must have:
- Secure storage (locked cabinets, containers, fuel stores)
- Restricted access — only authorised workers
- Inventory tracking — check materials in and out
- Purchase controls — only approved suppliers
How Workers Can Prevent Misuse
Always store hazardous materials in locked, designated areas.
Report immediately if materials are missing, damaged, or tampered with.
Use sign-in/sign-out logs for chemicals and fuels.
Keep deliveries secure — ensure materials are not left unattended.
Challenge or report any unauthorised people near storage areas.
Follow COSHH rules for chemicals.
If something feels suspicious, report it following company policy or Prevent guidelines.
Site security and Access Control
Construction sites—especially those involving government buildings, schools, transport hubs, or large venues—are potential targets for harm. Terrorist groups may try to exploit vulnerabilities during construction.
Why Site Security Matters
Unauthorised Access – During construction, buildings are less secure than when finished. Someone gaining access without permission could:
Steal materials
Tamper with structures or systems
Gather information for a future attack
Cause deliberate harm to workers or the public
Insider Threats – An insider threat is when someone with authorised access misuses it. This could include:
Allowing an unauthorised person into restricted areas
Sharing sensitive plans or layouts
Deliberately damaging materials or systems
Individuals who have been radicalised may pose insider risks, which is why vetting, ID checks, and controlled access are so important.
Why Construction Sites Can Be Attractive Targets
Workers often have access to structural areas, plant rooms, and security systems.
High-value or symbolic sites (government offices, public-sector buildings, arenas) may interest extremist groups.
A person posing as a worker could blend in easily unless access procedures are strict.
How this links to Site Security
A radicalised individual with site access could:
Collect sensitive information
Interfere with safety systems
Facilitate unauthorised entry for others
Attempt sabotage or harm
Strict access control protects everyone.
Community Engagement and Reporting
Prevent is part of the UK’s strategy to reduce the risk of people becoming radicalised or drawn into extremism.
While many people link Prevent to policing, education, and safeguarding, it also plays a role in local development and construction. Good design and planning can help build stronger, safer communities.
Social Cohesion Through Design – Urban planning shapes how people live, meet, work, and interact. Well-designed communities often have:
Parks and green spaces
Community centres
Local shops and services
Safe walking routes and well-lit public areas
These features encourage positive interaction and a sense of belonging.
When Poor Design Creates Risk – Areas that lack community spaces, face economic hardship, or are disconnected from services may experience:
Social isolation
Higher tension between groups
Reduced trust in authorities
These conditions can make individuals more vulnerable to extremist messages.
How Environments Influence Vulnerability – Radicalisation is more likely where people feel:
Excluded
Disconnected from the wider community
Lacking places to belong or be supported
Poor planning, overcrowding, or neglected public areas can worsen these feelings.
Role of Construction Projects
Construction isn’t just about buildings — it shapes long-term community wellbeing. Projects can help prevent radicalisation by:
Including social facilities like youth centres, libraries, sports areas
Designing public spaces that promote community interaction
Creating safe, inclusive environments
Ensuring new developments are accessible to everyone
Building for Inclusion
Modern planning considers diversity and accessibility from the start. Inclusive design supports:
Better relationships among residents
Reduced isolation
Greater community pride and resilience
All of these factors help reduce vulnerability to extremism
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Modern construction is not just about creating functional buildings — it also plays a vital role in public safety.
Sites such as airports, stadiums, train stations, and government buildings must be designed with security in mind to protect the public from potential terrorist threats.
Secure design supports the UK’s Prevent strategy, which aims to safeguard people and reduce risks of extremism and terrorism.
Public & Critical Infrastructure – Buildings used by thousands of people every day require additional protection. Examples include:
Airports and transport hubs
Government offices
Large venues and arenas
Hospitals and major public-sector buildings
These sites need to withstand or deter potential attacks and ensure safe evacuation.
Reducing Opportunities for Harm – Secure design makes it harder for people to carry out attacks and protects the public if an incident occurs. This includes:
Slowing down threats
Keeping dangerous vehicles away
Controlling who can access sensitive areas
Protecting structural elements
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) – HVM features help prevent vehicles from being used to cause harm. Examples include:
Strengthened bollards
Raised planters
Reinforced barriers
Controlled vehicle access routes
These features are designed to be discreet but effective in stopping unauthorised vehicles entering crowded areas.
Blast-Resistant & Strengthened Materials – Some sensitive buildings use:
Blast-resistant glazing
Reinforced walls
Strengthened frames
These materials help reduce damage and protect occupants in the event of an explosion.
Secure Access Points – Construction includes systems that control how people move around the building:
Secure entrances
Access-controlled doors and gates
Clear sightlines for surveillance
Safety-tested emergency exits
Only authorised individuals can enter restricted areas.
Designing for Safe Evacuation – Layouts are planned to:
Guide people away from danger
Avoid bottlenecks
Provide multiple, safe exit routes
Good design saves lives in both everyday emergencies and major incidents.
How This Supports Prevent – By building safer environments, the construction industry helps:
Reduce opportunities for terrorism
Protect vulnerable crowded spaces
Strengthen national security
Support safer communities
Secure design is a practical way construction contributes to the Prevent strategy