Top Construction Safety Training Trends to Watch in 2026

Construction safety training (CST) educates workers about the risks they face on construction sites and teaches them how to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities.

The construction industry has the highest worker death rate of any industry and comes with many risks. However, thorough CST can help mitigate and prevent incidents.

In this article, we’ll cover the componants of safety training, emerging trends, plus helpful training resources.

5 Key Components of Construction Safety Training

While construction work-related deaths have been decreasing — for example, deaths were 11% lower in 2024 than in 2023 — more than 5,000 workers each year still die in largely preventable incidents. 

A comprehensive safety training program should cover at least these five key components to ensure that workers are prepared for all types of hazards they may encounter on-site.

1. Hazard Identification

   Workers must be trained to recognize common hazards such as falls, electrocution and machinery-related risks. Identifying potential dangers helps workers avoid accidents before they occur.

2. Safety Protocols

   Training workers on properly using safety equipment — including personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets and harnesses — and handling tools and machinery safely is essential for reducing risks.

3. Emergency Response

   Emergency response training in CST prepares workers to handle emergencies effectively, whether it's through self-rescue techniques, administering first aid, evacuating the site or reporting incidents. Workers with self-rescue training have a 76% lower chance of fatal falls compared to those without.

4. Risk Mitigation Techniques

   Thorough CST emphasizes preventive measures, such as using scaffolding correctly, employing proper lifting techniques and implementing fall protection strategies to avoid injuries.

5. Safety Leadership

   Supervisors and managers should also undergo leadership training to help them effectively manage safety protocols. Construction safety officers, or Safety-Trained Supervisors Construction (STSC), can advocate for safe practices and guide their teams in maintaining a culture of safety.

Emerging Trends in Construction Safety Training

More Emphasis on Mental Health

Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression can impair workers’ judgment, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

According to The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), 30.7% of construction workers reported feeling anxious at least once per month in 2021, a 41.5% increase from 2011. Addressing mental health in safety training helps workers make better decisions and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Interactive Training

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming safety training by providing workers with immersive, hands-on experiences of real-life hazards in a controlled environment. This innovative approach can support both the understanding and retention of safety protocols, making training more effective.

In fact, in 2024, 34% of employees reported having engaged with location-tracking technologies at work, showcasing the growing adoption of advanced tools in safety practices.

Wearable Technology

In addition to smart helmets and vests, many construction companies are now integrating wearable tech like smartwatches and fitness trackers into their safety protocols. These devices monitor vital signs like heart rate, fatigue levels and physical activity, providing real-time data on workers' well-being.

In the case of emergencies, smartwatches can send distress signals and increase the likelihood of the wearer receiving help promptly.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics tools analyze past incidents and real-time data to predict potential hazards before they occur. This technology allows construction companies to proactively address risks and prevent accidents.

Safety Apps

Mobile safety apps are gaining traction, giving workers easy access to safety checklists, incident reports and safety manuals directly from their smartphones. These apps provide a convenient way for workers to stay informed and make sure they are following the proper procedures.

4 Safety Training Trends to Watch in 2026

Besides the safety training trends emerging across the field in recent years, there are some specific trends to watch for 2026 that safety leaders should keep in mind.

1. Increased Drone Usage

Drones are being found useful for many tasks on construction sites, including in inspections and surveys, significantly reducing the need for human workers to enter potentially hazardous areas.

For instance, drones equipped with ultrasonic probes and high-quality cameras can tell the thickness and condition of materials like chimneys, assessing the safety of the area and improving cost savings, while actually getting images from more angles than a human could.

2. Focus on Sustainability

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in construction, as the world comes to grips with the impacts of climate change. Construction accounts for 37% of global emissions, so reducing emissions is certainly one of the main focuses of the push for sustainability. 

Sustainable construction impacts worker safety directly, by emphasizing the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly materials, thereby reducing exposure to hazardous substances. For example, using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and sealants minimizes harmful emissions on-site, improving air quality and reducing health risks.

Proper disposal of hazardous materials also prevents environmental contamination and protects worker health. Companies can look to a variety of construction standards to lead their sustainability efforts and strive to reduce the environmental impact of their coming projects. 

3. Use of Regulation and Compliance Software

New software tools are being developed to help construction companies stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Using mobile apps, workers can access safety information on the spot, and report any causes for concern throughout the day. When leaders access this information via a central system, they can analyze and act on them before incidences occur.

These tools enhance data management and streamline compliance processes, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

4. Next-Level Onsite Automation

As technology improves, there are more and more tasks on construction projects that become suitable for automation, right from repetitive administrative tasks to heavy bricklaying jobs.

Technologies such as AI-powered drones and robots are handling tasks that are dangerous or repetitive for human workers. This shift improves safety as well as productivity and accuracy.

Where to Start: Resources for Construction Safety Training

Many resources are available to help get started with construction safety training, from official certifications to private organizations. These include:

• OSHA Training Resources

  OSHA offers a variety of training courses, including the OSHA 10 and 30 certifications, through approved trainers and online platforms.

• Center for Construction Research and Training

  The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) provides valuable resources for improving safety and health in the construction industry, including training materials, data on workplace fatalities and mental health initiatives.

• Third-party Organizations

  Private organizations like Procore offer comprehensive quality and safety tools such as specialized software, apps and trainings.

For a more comprehensive list, check out the top 12 safety organizations for the construction industry.

Go beyond OSHA regulations.

The Procore Safety Qualified program provides construction professionals with everything they need to know to create a culture of safety.

Take the course

Construction Safety Training: A Commitment to Workers

Better construction safety training helps prevent injuries and boost compliance on construction sites. Although it's already improving, safety training will likely continue to improve with insights from wearable technology, AR, VR and a higher focus on workers’ mental health.

As OSHA Assistant Secretary Douglas Parker said: “Reducing worker deaths means embracing an approach that makes worker health and safety a core value in every workplace.” By prioritizing safety at all levels, companies can protect their workforce.

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