New Research Reveals 17 Ways Construction Executives Can Save Lives

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Ted Coutilish
Vice President of Communications
Yellow Flag Productions
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International study outlines clear, evidence-based actions for leaders to reduce job-site fatalities.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., September 10, 2025 — Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S., with a fatality rate more than five times the national average. Now, new international research provides a concrete, evidence-based roadmap for executives to build stronger safety cultures and potentially save lives.

Led by Ahmed Al-Bayati, PhD, PE, of the Lawrence Technological University Construction Safety Research Center (CSRC) and Vigneshkumar Chellappa, PhD, of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the study identified 17 specific actions upper management can take to improve jobsite safety measurably.

“Safety isn’t a memo, it’s a mindset,” said AI-Bayati, associate professor and founding director of CSRC. “When executives put on the hard hat first, fund the right tools, and back their supervisors, they send a clear signal: safety is built into the blueprint from day one.”

Funded by CSRC members, the study underscores their unwavering commitment to advancing safety for all.

Key Findings: Actions That Matter Most

Using a two-stage Delphi method with 21 industry experts and a national survey of 113 experienced construction supervisors and safety personnel, the study ranked the 17 actions by importance.

The top five:

• Walk the Talk – Demonstrate commitment to safety through visible actions, not just words.
• Wear the Gear – Executives wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) sends a powerful example.
• Budget for Safety – Fund equipment, safety meetings, and job-specific safety costs.
• Empower Supervisors – Support frontline leaders when safety conflicts with budget or schedule.
• Communicate Transparently – Invite suggestions, give constructive feedback, and ensure consistent messaging.

“When leadership models safety behavior and equips teams with the right resources, safety stops being negotiable,” said Chellappa. “It becomes the foundation of every project.”

Why It Matters

The research offers the first evidence-based safety leadership checklist tailored for executives, project managers, and safety leaders. While based on U.S. data, the framework can be adapted globally to align with regional regulations and practices.

About the LTU CSRC

The LTU CSRC unites industry leaders, companies, municipalities, associations, and agencies to reduce the construction industry’s disproportionately high rates of fatalities and injuries, where 21 percent of all U.S. workplace deaths occur despite comprising only 4.5 percent of the workforce. By leveraging extensive expertise and evidence-based research, the CSRC develops best practices and training programs that save lives, prevent injuries, and improve safety performance. These efforts not only help workers return home safely but also save construction firms an estimated $4-$6 for every $1 invested, while reducing costs, liability, and reputational damage. CSRC and its members collaborate to empower industry leaders to enhance safety performance by leveraging their expertise and proven life-saving practices, driving measurable improvements in worker safety and overall industry outcomes.

About The PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University strives to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. The University nurtures socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, and pursues world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical, real-world applications. The University’s unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it international recognition, with PolyU consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide.

About LTU

Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.

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