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Wed August 19, 2026
NCCCO
The NCCCO Foundation (NCCCOF) and the Work to Zero program at National Safety Council (NSC) recently partnered to publish new research on the impact of formal certification on workforce competency, jobsite safety and industry performance.
The study draws on existing research and analysis of national fatality data to explore the impacts of the 2010 OSHA Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule. Survey data and interviews with crane personnel were also used to supplement the analysis and provide additional context into how certification influences work in the field.
Key findings from the report include:
• More than 90 percent of survey respondents said certified personnel improve jobsite safety, technical competence and overall career prospects;
• Nearly three-quarters of respondents support certification requirements for riggers and signalpersons, reflecting broad support for expanding standardized competency verification beyond crane operators; and
• Certification delivers the greatest safety benefits when combined with ongoing training, mentorship and practical experience.
"This new report shares many interesting and instructive findings regarding how the combination of certification and quality training have significantly improved safety in the crane industry", said T.J. Cantwell, NCCCO Foundation executive director. "Furthermore, the report demonstrates the key role certification plays in setting consistent standards across the crane industry and the significant value those working with cranes place on both certification and training."
The Certification in Crane Operations: Impacts on Safety and Performance report and other safety research reports are available to download at: ncccofoundation.org/research/safety/