New National Construction Safety Study: Small Contractors Improving Safety but Gaps Remain in Preconstruction Planning, Technology and Mental Health Support

Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2026 SmartMarket Report reveals that while safety practices are improving and becoming more standardized, progress remains uneven.

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#BuildSmarter–Safety management continues to gain traction across the U.S. construction industry, with small contractors leading recent gains in engagement, according to the newly released Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2026 SmartMarket Report from Dodge Construction Network, produced in partnership with CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Now in its seventh edition, the biennial study reveals key areas where greater focus is still required despite ongoing improvements across the industry.

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

Small Contractors Lead Recent Safety Gains

One of the most notable findings is the accelerating commitment to safety among small construction firms. Compared with 2023, more contractors with fewer than 20 employees report:

• Using online safety training
• Offering employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Implementing multiple methods to assess and mitigate heat exposure.

Small contractors also reported faster growth in these areas than midsize and large firms.

“While small contractors still lag larger firms in the overall use of formal safety management practices,” says Donna Laquidara-Carr, PhD, LEED AP, industry insights research director at Dodge Construction Network, “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.”

Preconstruction Safety Planning Is Standard Practice, but Not Fully Optimized

Preconstruction safety planning is nearly universal, with 95% of contractors creating a health and safety plan before construction begins. However, only 43% involve a health and safety director in this process, despite clear benefits:

• Reduced injuries: 80% of firms involving a safety director see reduced recordable injury rates vs. 63% of those without director involvement
• Stronger engagement: 72% that involve a safety director report improved worker understanding and engagement vs. 46%
• Project outcomes: 35% that involve a safety director report gains in productivity, cost predictability, less rework and better schedule adherence vs. 20%

Heat Risk Management Expands, but Written Plans Lag Among Small Firms

More than 80% of contractors report using core heat mitigation strategies, including water, rest, shade, training, emergency response plans and environmental monitoring. Use of weather forecasts, mobile heat safety apps and PPE to assess heat risk has also increased, particularly among small firms.

However, opportunities for improvement include:

• Heat illness prevention plans: While more than 80% of midsize and large firms report having a plan, only 62% of small companies reported having one.
• State heat regulations: 72% of contractors working in a state with heat standards say having to comply with a state standard has improved heat illness protection on their jobsites, with most seeing improvements on all projects, not just those in the state with the regulations. Only 41% of contractors surveyed currently work in states with these standards, suggesting broader adoption of state standards could significantly improve worker safety during heat waves.

Technology Use for Safety Remains Limited

The top technologies deployed by contractors to improve safety are predictive analytics, wearable sensors and virtual reality training, but they are used by fewer than half of contractors. More widely used technologies – BIM, laser scanning and drones – are primarily implemented to improve productivity, but they have safety applications as well.

“This suggests significant untapped potential for contractors to leverage technology more strategically to improve safety on the jobsite,” says Laquidara-Carr.

Mental Health Support Expands, But Gaps Remain

More companies now provide Employee Assistance Plans than in the previous study, but even so, only 46% of contractors offer them. While small companies lag larger firms, they have increased the most, from 16% to 25%.

The study also highlights that 52% of contractors report their workers often face daily commutes exceeding 100 miles or overnight stays. These conditions can increase stress and fatigue, key factors that can negatively affect worker well-being.

About the Study

The Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2026 SmartMarket Report is based on a nationwide survey of general contractors and specialty trade contractors. It is the seventh safety-focused SmartMarket Report produced by Dodge Construction Network in collaboration with CPWR since 2012.

The report also includes expert insights and case studies on improving safety and worker well-being. For more information or to download the full report, visit www.construction.com.

About Dodge Construction Network

Dodge Construction Network harnesses data, analytics, and industry connections to be the leading source of insights and opportunities in the commercial construction industry. With five trusted solutions – DCC, The Blue Book, Sweets, IMS, and Principia – Dodge connects construction professionals across all stages of the building process. Designed for both small teams and large enterprises, these tools simplify complexity, empowering you to build thriving businesses and communities. With over a century of experience, Dodge Construction Network is the catalyst for modern construction. To learn more, visit construction.com.

About CPWR

CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit created by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Its mission is to reduce occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the construction industry through research, training, and service programs. CPWR is uniquely situated to serve U.S. construction workers, contractors and the research community, having partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in NIOSH’s construction safety and health research initiative for three decades. To learn more, visit cpwr.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Amy Roepke

Dodge Construction Network

pr@construction.com

Bill Wright

CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training

bwright@cpwr.com