Europe's Data Centre Boom: Worker Exploitation and Safety Risks 2026

Europe's data centre construction boom is putting workers at risk of electrocution, disease, and wage theft, according to a new investigation by the Guardian and Investigate Europe. The sprawling facilities powering our digital lives are often built under intense pressure, with workers facing hazardous conditions and little recourse.

The Human Cost of Europe's Data Centre Expansion

Data centres are the backbone of the digital economy, but their rapid construction across Europe has created a shadow workforce. Many workers are employed through subcontractors, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The investigation reveals a pattern of unsafe practices, from inadequate protective equipment to excessive hours.

Sandu, a 34-year-old electrical tester, was nearly killed when he was electrocuted while working on a Google data centre site in Belgium. He had already worked almost 10 hours when he was asked to perform a last-minute test. Without a protective suit, he was hit by a 400-volt, 12,000-amp blast that left him blind and with second-degree burns.

Why Worker Exploitation Persists in Data Centre Construction

The data centre industry is driven by tight deadlines and cost pressures. Contractors often hire workers through layers of subcontractors, making it difficult to enforce safety standards. Workers like Sandu report being afraid to refuse dangerous tasks for fear of losing their jobs.

In addition to electrical hazards, workers face exposure to disease and poor living conditions. Some report being housed in overcrowded accommodations without proper sanitation. The investigation also uncovered cases of wage theft, where workers were not paid for overtime or had their wages withheld.

Key Takeaways for Workers and Policymakers

• Data centre construction workers face serious safety risks, including electrocution and exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Layers of subcontracting make it hard to hold companies accountable for worker welfare.
• Many workers are afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation, including firing.
• Regulators need to strengthen oversight and enforce safety standards across the supply chain.
• Companies commissioning data centres must take responsibility for labour conditions on their sites.

Comparing Safety and Labour Standards in Data Centre Construction

The Role of Tech Giants and Contractors

Major tech companies like Google commission these data centres but often distance themselves from labour issues by using subcontractors. The investigation found that workers on Google sites were employed by third-party contractors, making it hard to trace responsibility.

Google told the Guardian it requires contractors to meet safety standards, but the incident shows gaps in enforcement. Workers like Sandu are left to navigate dangerous conditions with little support. The background to this story is set out in UK Government Lacks Data Centre Oversight Amid AI Boom. A related thread runs through Australia Housing Boom vs Data Centre Construction Surge. Earlier coverage in US Data Center Construction Boom: The Only Thing Being Built Now shows how the argument developed.

What Needs to Change

To prevent further exploitation, policymakers must close loopholes in labour laws and increase inspections. Companies should be held liable for the conditions on their sites, regardless of subcontracting arrangements. Workers need safe channels to report abuses without fear of retaliation. A closer look at the same subject appears in Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Legacy, Tariffs, and Data Centre Risks. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Tourist Safety Checks Urged After Teen Electrocuted in Greece Shower. The same theme surfaces in Data Center Maintenance Technicians Earn 42% More Than Peers, which takes a different angle.

The data centre boom shows no signs of slowing, especially with the rise of AI. As demand grows, so does the pressure on workers. The global backlash against datacentres is partly driven by these social and environmental concerns, as explored in our article on the global backlash against datacentres. Context on how this played out before sits in AI Data Center Boom: Goldman Sachs Says Crowding Out Is Minimal.

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