This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products pose, as well as the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market.

The white paper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europe-wide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries.

It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities.

The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was shocking. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents reported being exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of their working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the entire week.

No wonder a similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and well-being when working on-site.

With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%).

However, more disturbing was the finding that the remaining 35% appeared less concerned about the short- and long-term impacts of regularly inhaling toxic emissions.

This worrying statistic reveals a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance about the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, highlighting the need for more education on why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible.

There are mainstream alternatives, particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment, and the appetite for this solution is healthy.

Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery.

Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on-site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%).