Tightening schedules, subcontractor fatigue, and complex regulations are stacking up against the construction industry. But labor shortages (38%), rising material costs (35%), and jobsite safety (32%) are the top concerns right now, according to the American Society of Safety Professionals’ 2025 Construction Industry Safety Challenges study.
The study, which was conducted by J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights and the American Society of Safety Professionals, gets a clearer picture of today’s most pressing safety and compliance issues and how these issues are affecting jobsite practices and overall performance.
The study also found:
–51% take employee mental health only “somewhat seriously” or “not at all seriously”
–20% feel “unsure” to “not at all” confident that their safety technology is backed by strong data
–38% still lack a proactive approach to safety and regulatory compliance
–Most commonly used PPE includes safety glass/goggles (88%), gloves (88%), hard hats/helmets (83%), steel-toe boots (74%), high visibility clothing (72%), fall protection (70%), hearing protection (69%), and respirators/masks (48%).
Safety culture is lacking despite most companies tracking it. The study found that 96% monitor leading indications like equipment inspections (77%), safety-meeting participation (70%), or behavior-based safety observations (66%).
However, only 62% report having a proactive safety program with dedicated resources, leaving a third to “reaction mode” meaning waiting for accidents and injuries instead of preventing them. The study found that 48% were only “somewhat confident” to “not confident at all” their current training prepares employees to perform the job safely and in compliance with regulations.
The largest concern surrounding safety culture is PPE usage. Ninety-two percent say PPE is “always or often used” but 54% say there is inconsistency in usage, most often due to discomfort, poor fit, cost, or weather-related issues.
Traditional training remains dominant for safety, but many respondents question whether it is enough. As the industry shifts to more advancing technology and tailored training, budgetary pressures and integration are expected to be continued roadblocks as well as the ‘this is how it’s always been done’ mentality.
“Improving safety in construction requires current data to help us better understand the obstacles that safety professionals face every day,” says Ray Chishti, senior EHS editor at J. J. Keller & Associates. “Real-world insights are essential for building safer, healthier job sites, and this study provides a critical picture of where the industry stands and where it needs to go to strengthen safety cultures.”
