A new report from Vector Solutions highlights the growing pressures facing construction supervisors, who say they feel accountable for both safety and jobsite culture but lack the preparation and resources to meet those expectations.
The State of Frontline Safety Leadership in Construction survey gathered responses from more than 600 U.S. construction supervisors and managers. Nearly all respondents — 96% — said they feel personally responsible for creating a safe, supportive workplace, yet many lack formal training or clear guidance from leadership.
Supervisors are also increasingly serving as first points of contact for workers’ personal struggles: 71% said a crew member has approached them about mental health or substance use, while 64% worry that saying the wrong thing could make matters worse.
The report found 45% of supervisors have felt pressure to prioritize deadlines over safety, and 81% want refresher courses to stay current on evolving standards. Nearly half cited burnout and mental health as top concerns but said they don’t have the resources to address them.
Language barriers also remain a challenge. About one-third of supervisors manage multilingual crews, and most say communication gaps can lead to safety risks. Many called for real-time translation tools and multilingual training materials.
Vector Solutions said the findings underscore the need for stronger leadership training, better communication resources and expanded mental health support across the construction industry.
