NCCCO Report Finds 9 in 10 Crane Pros Back Certification
Nine out of 10 crane industry professionals surveyed say certified personnel improve jobsite safety, technical competence and career prospects, Safety+Health Magazine reports, citing a new National Safety Council research report developed with the NCCCO Foundation. The report, “Certification in Crane Operations: Impacts on Safety and Performance,” draws on national fatality data, a survey of crane industry professionals, expert interviews and a review of existing research.
The report found 405 crane-related workplace deaths in the US from 2015 through 2024, but only 29% involved crane or tower operators themselves, underscoring risk to riggers, signalpersons and others working around cranes. Nearly 75% of survey respondents backed extending certification requirements beyond operators to riggers and signalpersons. The report also notes certification delivers the greatest safety payoff when paired with ongoing training, experience and mentorship, not as a standalone credential.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Crane subcontractors bidding jobs where GCs are tightening certification requirements now have data to justify certified crews: 90% of surveyed pros link certification directly to safety outcomes.
- Rigging and signalperson certification, not just operator certification, is gaining industry support (nearly 75% of respondents), so subs should expect that requirement to show up in more RFPs and prequalification packages.
- With 71% of crane-related fatalities involving non-operators, safety programs and training budgets should extend beyond the operator’s seat to cover ground crew and signal personnel to reduce incident exposure and liability.
