Construction Supervisors Strained by Safety, Mental Health, and Training Gaps: New Research from Vector Solutions

Findings show that leaders shoulder heavy responsibilities, but lack consistent preparation, protocols, and tools to lead effectively

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study from Vector Solutions, a leading provider of safety, compliance, and workforce readiness solutions for critical industries, reveals the growing pressures construction supervisors face on today's jobsites. The State of Frontline Safety Leadership in Construction report, based on a survey of more than 600 full-time construction supervisors and managers across the U.S., found that while supervisors feel accountable for both safety and culture, many say they lack the preparation and resources to deliver on those responsibilities.

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in America, and has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Against that backdrop, the findings show how important it is for employers to better prepare supervisors to protect both safety and well-being on the jobsite. In fact, 93% say that structured supervisor training leads to fewer safety incidents. Yet, without stronger investment from leadership, supervisors are left in the dark to navigate hazards and sensitive crew issues.

The findings show that workers are increasingly turning to their supervisors for support that extends well beyond day-to-day operations: 71% of supervisors say a crew member has approached them with personal issues such as mental health or substance abuse. Yet many don't feel equipped to respond, as 64% worry that saying the wrong thing could make a worker's personal situation even worse, and 38% admit that their company hasn't provided them with clear protocols for handling these types of issues. Even though supervisors aren't always prepared when a crew member turns to them for help, they still recognize the responsibility they carry: 96% feel personally responsible for creating a safe, supportive culture on their jobsite, and 95% believe their leadership directly reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, or conflicts.

"Construction supervisors are carrying enormous weight for their crews, from managing safety and performance to supporting workers through personal challenges," said Clare Epstein, General Manager of Commercial at Vector Solutions. "As the jobsite becomes more complex, supervisors need consistent training, clear guidance, and accessible tools. At Vector Solutions, we're committed to providing the resources that help supervisors lead with confidence and keep crews safe."

Additional key findings from construction leaders include:

Safe Decision-Making Starts With Better Training
Supervisors are often left to make tough calls without backup, putting both safety and productivity at risk. Many say additional training would give them the confidence to respond more decisively when hazards arise.

• 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% have 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

Issues Around Worker Well-Being Create Pressure Points
Concerns about burnout, substance use, and mental health weigh heavily on crews while leaders search for guidance.

• 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
• Barriers to addressing these concerns include workplace stigma (33%), liability concerns (29%), and limited training (22%)
• 63% of supervisors say they want better guidance on spotting early signs of emotional distress within their crews, while 60% want the same for burnout and 55% for substance misuse

Language Gaps Present a Challenge to Team Leaders
Multilingual crews are a reality on many construction sites, and communication breakdowns can quickly escalate into safety risks. Supervisors want better tools and training to bridge the gap and keep every worker safe.

• Around 1 in 3 (28%) support crews who speak English as their second language (ESL)
• Among supervisors supporting ESL crews, 78% struggle with giving instructions, 77% with confirming task understanding, and 75% with addressing safety concerns in the moment
• To close these gaps, supervisors point to three needs: real-time translation apps (78%), toolbox-talk materials in multiple languages (50%), and training on engaging cross-language teams (47%)

To view the full findings and learn more about Vector Solutions' The State of Frontline Safety Leadership in Construction report, click here. 

Methodology
All findings are based on a survey of more than 600 full-time construction supervisors and managers, conducted in July 2025. Survey conducted at 95% confidence, +/- 4% margin of error. Each respondent works full-time at a supervisor level or higher in the construction industry, is 18+, and lives in the United States. 

About Vector Solutions
Vector Solutions is the leading AI-enabled Performance Platform Powering Safe, Compliant, and Efficient Operations for the world's most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes operational and workforce readiness, training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, asset management, evaluation and performance management, and more. With more than 24,000 clients, Vector powers the outcomes that matter most—saving time, ensuring compliance, embedding knowledge, reducing downtime, and safeguarding lives. For more information, visit www.vectorsolutions.com.  

About Vector Solutions for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC)
Vector Solutions for AEC is the leading Safety, Compliance, and Workforce Readiness Platform, empowering architecture, engineering, and construction organizations to simplify compliance, keep professionals licensed, and drive better outcomes. With integrated workflows, reporting, and training, the platform reduces incidents, simplifies compliance, and delivers safer, workforce-ready teams. Our software unifies training, credential management, and environmental health and safety tools with an extensive library of accredited courses to keep professionals licensed and productive. Trusted by thousands of firms nationwide, Vector helps streamline workflows, meet regulatory requirements, and boost efficiency. Learn more at www.vectorsolutions.com. 

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SOURCE Vector Solutions