Compass Datacenters has launched a new program for its frontline construction supervisors.

The US data center provider said its program will encourage, support, and maximize the project insight of frontline supervisors.

Frontline supervisors, traditionally known as foremen, play a central role in safety, quality, communication, efficiency, and process improvements.

The program will also embrace mental health initiatives and strengthen safety by creating a culture that celebrates supervisors who acknowledge areas for improvement, said the company.

“No one has more influence on construction site safety than Frontline supervisors. They have the exceptional ability to see the big picture of a project while also keeping tabs on the smallest details. Their impact on a project’s overall success and daily crew safety cannot be overstated,” said Nancy Novak, Compass’ chief innovation officer.

She added: “Through this program, we are doing something unprecedented in the industry: empowering frontline supervisors to be vocal, candid change advocates, making job sites safer, driving continuous improvement, and so much more.”

Rachel Neal, VP of global safety at Compass, said: “We encourage participants to ask questions which may appear simple, but they are groundbreaking for the construction industry. People and organizations both grow when they acknowledge failures and learn. This is one of our core convictions as a company, and it is in the program’s DNA.”

The company said it will share its best practices with other construction and data center organizations in the coming months.

In 2023, Prince William visited the construction firm Mace’s site in London, UK, to discuss the prevention of suicide in the industry. According to Mace and Mates in Mind, the rate of suicide amongst construction workers in the country is nearly four times higher than the national average.

A report by Taylor English from October last year echoed that in the US, the construction industry is facing a suicide epidemic.

If you are struggling with mental health, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 or Samaritans on 116 123.