New National Construction Safety Study Finds Improvements but Gaps Remain

Small contractors lead recent gains in safety practices, but preconstruction planning, technology, and mental health support still need focus

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A new national construction safety report from Dodge Construction Network and CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training reveals that while safety practices are improving and becoming more standardized across the industry, progress remains uneven. The study highlights areas where small contractors are making faster gains than larger firms, as well as persistent gaps in preconstruction planning, technology adoption, and mental health support for workers.

Why it matters

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries, with over 1,000 worker fatalities in 2024. This report identifies key areas where construction companies can focus to better protect the health and safety of their workforce, which is critical for both worker wellbeing and overall industry productivity.

The details

The report found that small contractors with fewer than 20 employees are leading recent gains in safety practices, reporting faster growth than midsize and large firms in areas like online safety training, employee assistance programs, and heat exposure mitigation. However, small firms still lag behind larger companies in the overall use of formal safety management practices. The study also found that while preconstruction safety planning is nearly universal, only 43% of firms involve a health and safety director in this process, despite clear benefits in reducing injuries, improving worker engagement, and enhancing project outcomes. Additionally, the report highlighted opportunities to expand the use of safety-focused technologies and strengthen mental health support for construction workers, who often face long commutes and overnight stays that can increase stress and fatigue.

  • The Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2026 SmartMarket Report is based on a nationwide survey conducted in 2026.
  • The previous edition of the report was published in 2023.

The players

Dodge Construction Network

A leading source of insights and opportunities in the commercial construction industry, providing data, analytics, and industry connections through its five trusted solutions: DCC, The Blue Book, Sweets, IMS, and Principia.

CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training

A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit created by North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) with a mission to reduce occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the construction industry through research, training, and service programs.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

A federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.

Chris Trahan Cain

The executive director of CPWR.

Donna Laquidara-Carr

The industry insights research director at Dodge Construction Network.

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What they’re saying

“Every construction worker should go home safely every day, but more than 1,000 died on the job in 2024. This report shows where managers and owners are improving safety and health for workers and where they need to do more.”

— Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director, CPWR

“While small contractors still lag larger firms in the overall use of formal safety management practices, the data clearly shows they are increasing their commitment to protecting workers and improving health and well-being at a faster rate than in previous studies.”

— Donna Laquidara-Carr, Industry Insights Research Director, Dodge Construction Network

What’s next

The report's findings suggest that construction companies, industry groups, and policymakers should focus on expanding the use of safety directors in preconstruction planning, increasing the adoption of safety-focused technologies, and strengthening mental health support for construction workers. Broader adoption of state-level heat safety standards could also significantly improve worker protection during extreme weather events.

The takeaway

This study highlights the construction industry's ongoing efforts to improve safety, with small contractors leading recent gains in key areas. However, persistent gaps remain in critical areas like preconstruction planning, technology use, and mental health support. Addressing these issues will be crucial for further reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among construction workers.