The report, titled Certification in Crane Operations: Impacts on Safety and Performance, draws on a decade of fatality data and expert interviews to assess the link between operator qualification and jobsite risk. While crane operators were involved in only 29% of the recorded fatal incidents, the research emphasizes that certification creates a foundational safety culture that protects all personnel working in proximity to heavy equipment. Organizations are encouraged to view human capital investment as equal in importance to equipment maintenance.

Industry support for these standards is high, with over 90% of surveyed professionals confirming that certification boosts technical competence. Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents advocate for extending these requirements to riggers and signalpersons, rather than limiting them to equipment operators alone. Dr. Matt Law, director of Work to Zero at NSC, noted that the most significant safety gains occur when certification is paired with ongoing mentorship and practical field experience. The organizations plan to host a webinar on August 19, 2026, to discuss the implementation of these findings in existing corporate safety programs.