Personal Safety Equipment Remains a Top Challenge for Construction Employers

Jobsite safety continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing the construction industry, according to a recent survey of construction professionals across the United States.

The study, conducted by J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. in collaboration with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), gathered responses from 719 construction professionals representing a wide range of trades. The findings highlight growing concerns around safety, training, and compliance on modern construction sites.

Safety Ranks Among Top Industry Challenges

Approximately 32% of respondents identified jobsite safety as one of their biggest operational challenges. While safety remains a major concern, it ranked behind two other pressing issues:

Labor shortages (38%)
Rising material costs (35%)

Other notable challenges cited by construction employers include:

Training and onboarding new workers (25%)
Equipment maintenance and availability (24%)

These results reflect the complex environment construction companies are navigating, where productivity pressures often intersect with safety responsibilities.

Gaps in Safety Culture and Training

The survey also revealed several concerning trends related to safety culture and preparedness:

Nearly 40% of respondents said their organization lacks a proactive approach to safety and regulatory compliance.
51% indicated that worker mental health is taken only “somewhat seriously” or “not seriously at all.”
54% agreed that inconsistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of their greatest safety challenges.
48% were either “somewhat confident” or “not confident at all” that their current training programs adequately prepare workers to perform their jobs safely and in compliance with regulations.

These findings suggest that while safety policies may exist, consistent implementation and workforce engagement remain ongoing challenges.

Six Key Obstacles to Improving Construction Safety

A companion report accompanying the survey outlines six major obstacles construction professionals must address to improve safety, health, and compliance:

Keeping up with evolving regulations and safety standards
Overcoming the “this is how it’s always been done” mindset
Improving communication between management, supervisors, and workers
Managing safety across multiple subcontractors and trades
Ensuring workers can understand and apply safety information
Addressing trade-specific and construction-related hazards

The Need for Data-Driven Safety Improvements

“Improving safety in construction requires current data to help us better understand the obstacles that safety professionals face every day,” said Ray Chishti, Senior Environmental, Health, and Safety Editor at J. J. Keller. He emphasized that real-world insights are critical for building safer, healthier jobsites and strengthening safety cultures across the industry.

Moving Forward

As construction projects grow more complex, the survey underscores the importance of investing in training, communication, mental health awareness, and consistent PPE usage. Addressing these challenges proactively can help construction employers reduce risk, improve compliance, and protect their most valuable asset—their workforce.

At Yurinox Workwear, we specialize in providing high-quality personal safety equipment designed to protect workers in demanding environments. Our range focuses on durable workwear and protective clothing that meets industry safety standards, helping teams stay safe, comfortable, and productive throughout their workday. Investing in the right personal safety equipment not only ensures compliance with regulations but also promotes a culture of safety on every jobsite. Browse our full range and strengthen safety on your jobsite.