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Why take the 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers Course?

New York City has some of the strictest construction safety regulations in the country, and the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces compliance through Local Law 196 of 2017. Under this law, all workers on Major Building construction sites must complete 40 hours of Site Safety Training (SST) to be eligible for work.

The NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers is specifically designed for existing construction workers who need to meet these mandatory training requirements. It is different from the NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for New Entrants, which is intended for workers who started after December 1, 2019 and includes OSHA 30 training.

This article will cover:

  • Who needs to take the NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers
  • How it differs from the 40-Hour New Entrants Training
  • The course structure and topics covered
  • Certifications awarded upon completion
  • Benefits of completing this training for career advancement

Who Needs to Take the NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers?

This training is required for:

  • Existing construction workers on Major Building projects who have already completed the OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 course.
  • Workers who need to obtain or renew their SST Worker Card to comply with NYC DOB regulations.
  • Employees of general contractors, subcontractors, and construction management firms working on Local Law 196 job sites.

Unlike the 40-Hour New Entrants Training, this program is for workers who already have an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 card and need additional SST hours to reach the 40-hour requirement.

How is the NYC SST: 40-Hour Training for Workers Different from the 40-Hour Training for New Entrants?

FeatureNYC SST: 40-Hour for New EntrantsNYC SST: 40-Hour for Workers
Who It's ForWorkers who started after Dec. 1, 2019Workers who already have OSHA 10 or 30
Includes OSHA 30?✅ Yes❌ No
Includes OSHA 10?❌ No❌ No
Total Training Hours4040
GoalGet new workers fully trained from scratchUpgrade workers to meet NYC DOB’s 40-hour SST requirement
Certifications AwardedOSHA 30 + SST Worker CardSST Worker Card only

If you already have an OSHA 30 card, the NYC SST: 40-Hour for Workers is the correct option to fulfill your SST Worker training requirement.

What is Covered in the NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers?

Unlike the 40-Hour New Entrants Training, this course package does not include OSHA 30. Instead, it focuses on NYC-specific safety training required by Local Law 196.

Course Modules in the NYC SST: 40-Hour for Workers Package

1. 8-Hour Fall Prevention (8 Hours)

  • Understanding NYC DOB fall protection requirements.
  • Proper use of harnesses, lanyards, and guardrails.
  • Identifying common fall hazards and how to prevent accidents.

2. 8-Hour Site Safety Manager Refresher/Chapter 33 (8 Hours)

  • NYC Construction Code Chapter 33 regulations.
  • Site safety responsibilities and procedures.
  • Importance of safety management in reducing accidents.

3. 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User & Refresher (4 Hours)

  • Identifying and preventing scaffolding hazards.
  • Safe assembly, maintenance, and dismantling of scaffolds.
  • Fall protection measures specific to scaffolding work.

4. 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness (2 Hours)

  • The risks of working under the influence.
  • How substance abuse affects judgment and reaction time.
  • NYC’s drug-free workplace policies.

5. 4-Hour General Electives (4 Hours)

  • Topics such as fire protection, confined spaces, or ladder safety.
  • Additional training modules as required by the DOB.

6. 14-Hour Special Electives (14 Hours)

  • Covers NYC-specific hazard prevention topics.
  • May include hand and power tool safety, ergonomics, or excavation safety.

This structured program ensures that workers meet the DOB's 40-hour requirement while gaining a thorough understanding of construction safety protocols.

Certifications Awarded Upon Completion

After completing the NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers, participants receive:

1. NYC SST Worker Card (40 Hours Total)

  • Required for all construction workers on Major Building sites.
  • Issued by a DOB-approved training provider.
  • Valid for five years, after which an 8-hour refresher course is required.

Unlike the New Entrants package, this course does not include an OSHA 30 Card because it is designed for workers who already have one.

Why is the NYC SST: 40-Hour for Workers Training Necessary?

1. Legal Requirement for NYC Construction Jobs

  • Local Law 196 mandates 40 hours of SST for workers on Major Building sites.
  • Site safety officers and DOB inspectors enforce compliance, and workers without an SST Worker Card cannot work.

2. Ensures Workplace Safety

  • Construction work is inherently dangerous, with risks of falls, electrocution, and equipment hazards.
  • This training provides critical knowledge to reduce accidents and save lives.

3. Increases Job Opportunities

  • Many NYC construction companies only hire workers who already have their SST Worker Card.
  • Completing this training makes you more competitive in the job market.

4. Career Advancement & Higher Wages

  • SST-certified workers can qualify for better-paying positions.
  • Employers are willing to pay more for fully trained workers who require less onboarding.

5. Convenient Online Training Options

  • Many training providers offer self-paced online courses for workers to complete at their convenience.
  • Online learning makes it easier for workers to meet requirements without missing work.

How to Enroll in the NYC SST: 40-Hour for Workers Course

Steps to Get Your SST Worker Card:

  1. Choose a DOB-Approved Training Provider
    • Ensure they offer the correct SST Worker training package.
  2. Register and Complete the Training Online or In-Person
    • Many workers choose online courses for flexibility and convenience.
  3. Pass Any Required Exams
    • Some courses may include assessments to test your knowledge.
  4. Receive Your SST Worker Card
    • Once training is completed, you’ll be issued a valid SST Worker Card for five years.

tl;dr NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers

The NYC SST: 40-Hour Site Safety Training for Workers is a mandatory requirement for existing construction workers on Major Building sites in NYC. Unlike the 40-Hour New Entrants Training, this program is designed for workers who already have an OSHA 10 or 30 card and need to complete their remaining SST hours.

By obtaining an SST Worker Card, workers ensure job security, compliance with NYC law, and improved workplace safety. With online and in-person training options, meeting NYC’s safety standards has never been more accessible.