Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in the country with one of the highest suicide rates as well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The risk of injury and the industry’s mental health concerns make the need for better training and preparation vital.
Surveying 600 full-time construction supervisors and managers across the U.S., Vector Solutions has found that supervisors are increasingly strained on today’s jobsites. The State of Frontline Safety Leadership in Construction report reveals that 93% agree that structured supervisor training leads to fewer safety incidents, but supervisors are often left in the dark to mitigate hazards and sensitive crew issues.
Beyond day-to-day operations, 71% of leaders say a crew member has approached them with personal issues like mental health or substance abuse. Yet, many don’t feel trained on how to respond. Sixty-four percent worry that saying the wrong thing could make things worse, and 38% say their company hasn’t provided them with clear protocols to handle these issues.
Despite the lack of preparation and training, 96% feel personally responsible for creating a supportive culture on their jobsite and 95% think their leadership style can directly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and conflicts.
“Construction supervisors are carrying enormous weight for their crews, from managing safety and performance to supporting workers through personal challenges,” says Clare Epstein, general manager of commercial at Vector Solutions. “As the jobsite becomes more complex, supervisors need consistent training, clear guidance, and accessible tools.”
The study found these additional facts about safety:
- 67% have had to make an important safety-related decision on site without clear guidance or support from their company
- 45% have felt pressured to prioritize project deadlines over safety on the job
- 39% noticed a potential safety risk on the job but were unsure what to do about it and Gen Z supervisors were 37% more likely than average to say this
- 81% would like refresher courses to stay current on evolving safety standards and best practices
Crew member wellbeing raises concerns for many in leadership:
- 49% are concerned about burnout or mental health challenges among their team, but don’t know how to address it
- 47% don’t have easy access to tools or resources that help them handle mental health or substance use situations in the moment
- Workplace stigma (33%), liability concerns (29%), and limited training (22%) are barriers to addressing concerns
- 63% of supervisors say they want better guidance on spotting early signs of emotional distress within their crews, and 60% want the same for burnout and 55% for substance misuse
