In New York City, keeping construction workers safe is critical. Unfortunately, more workers are being injured than ever before. 

According to the Construction Drive construction-related deaths in New York have hit an all-time high. According to the survey, there were 554 injuries and 11 fatalities on the building site in 2022, which is an all-time high. 

It was noted that worker falls were the leading cause of death and injury. To address this issue, New York City has unique policies in place to safeguard these workers. 

In conformity with the Scaffold law (New York Labor Law 240), which ensures the safety of construction workers working at heights. Although the majority of workers in New York have already obtained OSHA certificates. 

Although most of the workers in New York have already attained 360 OSHA certifications. What happens if their OSHA cards were to Expire? This article will guide you on relevant steps that workers must take if their OSHA card is near expiry.

Overview of OSHA 30-Hour Training

First of all, it is important to understand what the OSHA 30-hour training covers. This safety program is designed for supervisors and workers who have some safety responsibility. It covers a variety of topics that aim at risk reduction and improving safety knowledge. 

The training ranges from fall protection, in the construction industry to machinery and machine guarding standards and creates a safer work environment.

OSHA offers a wide range of training NY OSHA 30 courses for construction workers in New York. However, for workers who have already got their OSHA 30 cards. They must take the SST (Safety Standard Training) course. 

Before explaining SST training, we first need to understand the validity of the 30-hour training OSHA card.

Validity of OSHA 30 Training Card

According to NYC Buildings, the OSHA cards do not expire. Per LL 196, From  March 1, 2021, both supervisors and employees must have an SST card to attend any New York City workplace with a Site Safety Plan. 

This means that workers must attend the 10-hour SST training once their OSHA card is older than 5 years. Once they have obtained this training, they do not need to renew their OSHA cards again.

Understanding 10-Hour SST Training For Workers

This 10-hour SST course is designed for New York City construction and demolition workers. It’s useful for anyone with a valid 30-hour OSHA card from the last five years. It includes an 8-hour fall prevention training and a 2-hour drug and alcohol awareness course. 

Workers are given an official SST card once they finish. The full course is offered online, allowing students to access it from anywhere. 

It also features free audio narration and live chat support for a more engaging learning experience. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has authorized this course, ensuring that it meets all applicable criteria.

How to Apply for 10-Hour SST Training

Step 1: Be mindful of the training provider.

Go through an OSHA-approved training provider as the first step. The Department of Buildings of the City of New York (DOB) on its site has the list of approved course providers. Guarantee that the training provider provides the 10-hour OSHA program that is needed to attain SST certification.

Step 2: Enroll for the OSHA 10-hour Training course.

Select the Right Course: Select the 10-hour SST training course. It is relevant for the people working on the construction sites and has OSHA 30 card for more than 5 years.

Register for the Course: Do the final step of registration with the provider. It could be completing forms via the Internet or personal registration.

Step 3: Conduct the Training.

Attend the Course: Attend the course with the 10-hour duration planned. You must attend the classes to get your certification. It includes an 8-hour fall prevention training and a 2-hour drug and alcohol awareness course.  

Step 4: Receive Your OSHAs 10Hour Card

Obtain Your Card: The OSHA 10-hour training card will be presented to you upon completion of the course. This card says you have finished all the essential training.

Keep Your Card Accessible: It’s important that when you are filling out an SST application or visiting a job site, you have this card because it shows that you’ve concluded OSHA 10-hour SST training.

Step 5: Apply for the Site Safety Training (SST) Card

Gather Required Documents: In addition to your OSHA-10 card, you will need to complete extensive extra training to qualify as an SST. Visit DOB’s website to get the most up-to-date information on core courses and credit requirements.

Submit your application. You will need to complete all of the required training and record everything so that you may seek the DOB permit from a qualified provider or apply through the DOB’s online portal, if accessible. 

Collect all required documents, including verification of completion of the OSHA 30-hour course and any additional certifications.

Benefits of SST training:

• Enhanced Safety Knowledge: SST training enables workers to have updated knowledge and skills to recognize hazards and remain safe on the job site. This reduces the number of accidents and injuries.
• Compliance with Local Law 196: Completing SST training will guarantee that the company is compliant with New York City’s Local Law 196, which is mandatory for construction workers in the city. 
• Improved Job Opportunities: Obtaining an SST card shows your employer a remarkable task in compliance. This safety measure makes the workers even more employable to the employers who put a lot of emphasis on the safety of their workplace.
• Increased Worker Confidence: SST knowledge increases workers’ confidence in recognizing safety risks and promoting safety on construction sites.

Conclusion

OSHA 30 expiration can be difficult for New Yorkers to handle; nevertheless, you must be aware, attentive, and proactive. 

Site Safety Training (SST) is an essential component of the safety and compliance training provided to construction and demolition personnel in New York City. 

SST training provides workers with essential knowledge on hazard identification, fall prevention, and drug and alcohol awareness, making them better equipped to create a safer workplace. 

In the end, SST training is not a bare necessity but is a major source for the betterment of the construction industry in New York City serving to support a safe and competent workforce which is always focused on ensuring top-level safety standards.