The National Safety Council and NCCCO Foundation have released a new report examining how certification affects crane safety, workforce competency and jobsite performance.
The report, Certification in Crane Operations: Impacts on Safety and Performance, found certified personnel are widely viewed as an important factor in improving crane safety. The research was funded by the NCCCO Foundation and published through the National Safety Council Work to Zero initiative, in partnership with the McElhattan Foundation.
Researchers analyzed national fatality data, surveyed crane professionals, interviewed industry experts and reviewed existing research to assess certification's effect on workforce competency, jobsite safety and industry performance.
The report comes as crane-related incidents continue to present risks to workers in construction, utilities, logistics and other industries. From 2015 through 2024, 405 crane-related fatalities occurred in the United States, according to the report. Crane and tower operators accounted for 29% of those fatalities, indicating that risks extend to workers performing other jobs around crane operations.
“Certification is a foundation for safe work practices, consistent performance and a stronger safety culture,” said Dr. Matt Law, director of Work to Zero at NSC. “This research demonstrates that certification plays a critical role in improving workforce competency. By investing in people as well as equipment, organizations can better protect workers and help prevent serious incidents and fatalities.”
Among the report's findings:
- More than 90% of survey respondents said certified personnel improve jobsite safety, technical competence and overall career prospects.
- Nearly three-quarters supported certification requirements for riggers and signalpersons, indicating support for standardized competency verification beyond crane operators.
- Certification produced the greatest safety benefits when paired with ongoing training, mentorship and practical experience.
“The findings and recommendations in the report will hopefully provide everyone working to improve safety in the crane industry further evidence to push for improved training and certification standards within their existing company programs and across the construction industry,” said T.J. Cantwell, executive director of the NCCCO Foundation.
Work to Zero and the NCCCO Foundation have partnered since 2023 to develop research, tools and resources aimed at reducing serious incidents and fatalities involving crane operations.
NSC and the NCCCO Foundation will host a webinar Aug. 19 to discuss the report's findings and strategies for strengthening certification and workforce development. Registration is available here.
The full report and additional information about Work to Zero are available at nsc.org/worktozero. |