2026 NYC Construction Safety Compliance Checklist (OSHA & SST Guide)

• NYC SST Training Requirements

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Requirements

• Scaffold Safety & DOB Training

• Rigging & Signal Person Requirements

• PPE & Fall Protection Compliance

Meeting Current OSHA & NYC DOB Training Requirements

Construction safety enforcement in New York City remains strict in 2026. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) continues active site inspections to verify worker training, fall protection compliance, scaffold safety, and proper documentation.

For construction workers and supervisors, staying compliant means having the correct training, carrying valid credentials, and following OSHA and NYC DOB safety standards on site.

At HighRise Safety, we provide OSHA and NYC DOB-approved safety training programs designed to help workers meet current compliance requirements.

Below is a practical 2026 checklist to help workers understand what inspectors typically verify on NYC job sites.

1. Verify Required Safety Training Credentials

Workers on NYC major job sites must meet Site Safety Training (SST) requirements established by the NYC DOB.

Checklist:

✔ OSHA 30-Hour Construction (or OSHA 10 + required additional training hours)

✔ 40-Hour SST Worker Card (or 62-Hour Supervisor Card, if applicable)

✔ Valid SST card issued by a DOB-approved course provider

✔ Worker Wallet digital verification (where used)

Important: The Worker Wallet is an accepted method of digital verification but does not replace required SST training.

Always ensure your training is active and issued through an approved provider.

2. Fall Protection Compliance

Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries in construction.

Workers exposed to falls of 6 feet or more must be protected in accordance with OSHA standards and NYC DOB safety requirements.

Checklist:

✔ Properly fitted personal fall arrest system (if required)

✔ Guardrails installed where applicable

✔ Controlled access zones clearly marked

✔ Safety nets when required

✔ Training in fall prevention and protection

3. Supported Scaffold Safety

Scaffold violations are among the most frequently cited issues during DOB inspections.

Checklist:

✔ Supported scaffold installed by trained personnel

✔ Required Supported Scaffold Installer & Remover training completed (if performing that work)

✔ Daily scaffold inspections conducted by a competent person

✔ Proper planking, guardrails, and access provided

✔ Overhead protection where required

Workers performing scaffold installation, removal, or modification must complete DOB-approved training.

4. Rigging & Material Handling Safety

Rigging and material handling operations must follow OSHA regulations and NYC DOB requirements.

Checklist:

✔ Proper rigging training completed

✔ Signal Person training (if performing signaling duties)

✔ Equipment inspected before use

✔ Load capacity verified

✔ Clear communication established during lifting operations

Only trained personnel should perform rigging tasks.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Construction workers must wear appropriate PPE as required by OSHA and site safety policies.

Typical PPE includes:

✔ Hard hat

✔ High-visibility vest

✔ Safety boots

✔ Gloves

✔ Eye protection

✔ Hearing protection (when required)

Failure to wear proper PPE is a common inspection violation.

6. Site Safety Documentation & Awareness

While employers are responsible for overall site compliance, workers should be aware of:

✔ Site safety orientation requirements

✔ Toolbox talks and safety meetings

✔ Emergency procedures

✔ Clearly marked restricted areas

✔ Hazard communication (SDS availability)

Being informed protects both workers and employers.

Why Compliance Matters in NYC

NYC DOB inspections may result in:

• Violations

• Stop Work Orders

• Civil penalties

• Project delays

Maintaining valid safety training and following site procedures helps reduce risk and supports continued employment on regulated job sites.

Training Programs at HighRise Safety Training Center

We provide OSHA and NYC DOB-approved courses including:

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction

• 10-Hour SST Worker Upgrade Package

• 40-Hour SST Worker Card

• 8-Hour SST Refresher Training for Workers

• 22-Hour SST Supervisor Upgrade Package

• 62-Hour SST Supervisor Card

• 16-Hour SST Refresher Package for Supervisor

• 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher

• 32-Hour Supported Scaffold Installer and Remover

• 8-Hour Supported Scaffold Installer and Remover Refresher

• 32-Hour Suspended Scaffold Supervisor

• 8-Hour Suspended Scaffold Supervisor Refresher

• 16-Hour Suspended Scaffold User

• 8-Hour Suspended Scaffold User Refresher

• 16-Hour Rigging Worker

• 8-Hour Rigging Worker Refresher

• 32-Hour Rigging Supervisor

• 16-Hour Rigging Supervisor Refresher

• 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness

• 2-Hour Pre-Task Meeting

• 2-Hour Site Safety Plan (SSP)

• 2-Hour Tool Box Talks

• 4-Hour Fall Prevention

• 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher

• 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher

• 8-Hour Fall Prevention

• 8-Hour Site Safety

• 40-Hour Site Safety

  
  

Our programs are designed to help workers meet current NYC safety training requirements.

📍 1632 East 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229📞 718-587-1777📧 info@highrisesafety.com

This checklist is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace official OSHA or NYC Department of Buildings regulations. Workers and employers should always refer to current NYC DOB rules and OSHA standards for the most up-to-date requirements.