A new global study by Avetta has revealed a troubling disconnect between how companies perceive their workplace safety performance and the realities faced by frontline workers, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction, energy, and heavy manufacturing. The research, which analysed safety attitudes across thousands of contractors, suppliers, and enterprise clients, found that while executives overwhelmingly believe their safety programmes are effective, frontline workers report significantly higher exposure to hazards and inconsistent enforcement of safety protocols.
According to the report, nearly 70% of senior leaders rated their organisations’ safety cultures as “strong,” yet more than half of field workers surveyed said they regularly encounter unsafe conditions, inadequate protective equipment, or pressure to meet deadlines at the expense of safety. This perception gap, Avetta warns, could heighten operational risks, increase injury rates, and expose companies to regulatory action and reputational damage.
The research also highlighted a rising concern around mental health and fatigue, with many workers indicating that long hours, staffing shortages, and production pressures are contributing to lapses in safety compliance. Avetta notes that companies often underestimate these human-factor risks despite their growing impact on operational resilience.
To bridge the gap, Avetta recommends greater worker engagement, improved communication between management and job sites, and wider adoption of data-driven safety tools. Technologies such as real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital training platforms can help organisations identify risk trends earlier and enforce safety standards more consistently.
The report concludes that high-risk industries must rethink their safety strategies by prioritising transparency, employee feedback, and continuous improvement. Without addressing this widening disconnect, organisations may struggle to meet regulatory expectations and maintain a resilient, sustainable workforce.
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