Raising the Bar on Safety Through Certification

Each year, the industry takes meaningful steps toward safer job sites. At the heart of these efforts are employers who don’t just talk about safety—they invest in it. This year, CCO Certification is proud to recognize 45 organizations that have gone above and beyond in advancing safety through certification.

Now in its third year, this annual recognition highlights employers who demonstrate their commitment to workforce safety by certifying the greatest number of employees through CCO programs. In the past year alone, these 45 companies certified more than 8,500 individuals. That’s a powerful testament to what it means to prioritize safety with action—not just intention.

The companies recognized represent a cross-section of industries including power and electric, utilities, building supply, construction, and more. Their commitment underscores a growing movement across sectors: ensuring that personnel not only have the tools to do the job, but the knowledge and skill to do it safely.

“Safety is not achieved by chance—it’s achieved by choice,” said Thom Sicklesteel, CCO Certification CEO. “These employers are leading by example. They’ve chosen to invest in certification as a way to close the loop on their safety initiatives, ensuring that their workforce has both the technical skill and the situational awareness to operate safely.”

Certification as a Safety Multiplier

Certification does more than validate knowledge—it transforms behavior. Among CCO-certified personnel, 95% report feeling safer and more aware of jobsite hazards. Even seasoned professionals consistently report that certification boosts their confidence and sharpens their focus.

This aligns with feedback from past recognized companies, who say that certification plays a critical role in helping them reach their goal of zero accidents.

One past honoree stated, “We’ve always taken pride in our safety program, but certification has taken it to another level. It’s a way to ensure every person in the field meets a common, high standard—and that brings peace of mind to our leadership, our clients, and our crews.”

A Culture, Not a Checkbox

These employers aren’t chasing recognition—they’re building a culture. CCO certification is one part of a larger framework of safety protocols, hands-on training, and continuing education. By integrating certification into the heart of their operations, these companies are showing that safety isn’t a checkbox—it’s a core value.

Many of this year’s recognized employers are repeat recipients, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to workforce development. These repeat appearances speak volumes about the staying power of certification as part of a long-term safety strategy.

And their efforts are not going unnoticed. Clients, insurers, and employees alike are paying attention. In an industry where experience is measured not only by what you’ve built but by how safely you built it, certification offers a competitive edge.

Why It Matters

High-risk industries demand high standards. Whether lifting, rigging, or managing critical loads, there is little room for error—and the cost of getting it wrong can be devastating. Certification offers an impartial, nationally recognized way to verify that workers meet a minimum standard of knowledge and ability.

But the real value lies in what happens next: Certified workers consistently perform with greater consistency, confidence, and caution. That’s a win not just for safety departments, but for operations teams, project managers, and bottom lines.

Be Part of the Change

As the industry continues to evolve, so too must the expectations we place on workforce readiness. The companies recognized by CCO this year are proving that investing in certification is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

“We hope this recognition not only celebrates what these employers have accomplished, but also inspires others to join them,” said Tara Whittington, CCO Director of Marketing. “Every certified worker is a step toward a safer, stronger industry.”

These organizations have made a statement—not with words, but with action.