Fall Prevention Training in New York

Fall Prevention Training in New York: What’s New in 2025 and What to Look For

Falls continue to be the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry—not only nationwide but especially in densely populated, high-rise-focused New York City. That’s why Fall Prevention Training has become a cornerstone of safety requirements under both OSHA and Local Law 196.

Whether you’re a contractor, safety supervisor, or tradesperson, understanding the latest in Fall Prevention Training requirements—and choosing the right program—can save lives, prevent injuries, and keep your site DOB-compliant.

🧯 Why Fall Prevention Training Matters in NYC

According to OSHA, over one-third of construction deaths are due to falls. In New York, where workers frequently operate at height—on scaffolds, rooftops, ladders, and open floors—the stakes are even higher.

To address this, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) mandates Fall Prevention Training as part of the Site Safety Training (SST) curriculum, required for most workers on large-scale construction sites.

📘 What’s Included in Fall Prevention Training?

A typical Fall Prevention Training course covers:

• Recognizing fall hazards on the job

• Proper use of fall protection systems, including harnesses, lanyards, guardrails, and nets

• Ladder safety, scaffolding protocols, and roof work strategies

• How to inspect, maintain, and properly wear personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)

• Rescue planning and emergency response

• Real-life case studies of fall-related incidents

🆕 What’s New in Fall Prevention Training for 2025?

1. Real-Time Simulation Modules

In 2025, leading training providers are implementing VR-based simulations and interactive case studies to give workers a more immersive understanding of fall hazards.

✅ These tools help reinforce safety behaviors more effectively than lecture-style formats.

2. Updated NYC SST Integration

The DOB has clarified that Fall Prevention Training must be included in the 40-Hour SST Worker training and the 62-Hour SST Supervisor training. This module is now mandatory and tracked through DOB NOW.

✅ Make sure your training provider uploads certificates to the DOB’s tracking system and provides the proper SST card.

3. Emphasis on Scaffold and Aerial Lift Safety

New guidance from OSHA and Local Law 240 now recommends that fall prevention training include detailed coverage of scaffold safety and aerial lift fall hazards, particularly in high-rise construction.

✅ NYC inspectors are increasingly asking for proof of these subtopics in your training documentation.

4. Hybrid Training Formats with Voice Verification

To balance convenience and compliance, DOB-approved training is now available in hybrid formats (partially online, partially in person). However, online portions must now use voice authentication and timed modules to verify identity and engagement.

⚠️ Avoid programs that skip these checks—they won’t be accepted by the DOB.

🔍 What to Look For in a Fall Prevention Course

1. DOB-Approved and OSHA-Authorized

The course must be delivered by a provider listed on the NYC Department of Buildings’ approved SST training list and taught by OSHA-authorized trainers.

🛑 Not all “OSHA 10/30” providers offer valid Fall Prevention modules for NYC’s SST requirements.

2. Practical, Equipment-Based Training

Seek out training that allows hands-on practice with:

• Harnesses

• Anchor points

• Lanyards and retractables

• Fall restraint vs. fall arrest systems

This is especially critical for workers on scaffolds, roofs, or steel structures.

3. Language Options

Construction workers in NYC speak a wide range of languages. Top providers offer Fall Prevention Training in Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, and other languages, with multilingual instructors and materials.

4. Certificate Integration with SST Cards

Your training should automatically upload to the DOB NOW: Training Connect system and provide an SST card upon completion.

✅ Some providers now offer digital wallets with training credentials workers can carry on-site.

🧾 Checklist for NYC-Compliant Fall Prevention Training

✅ Covers OSHA and DOB standards (29 CFR 1926, Local Law 196)

✅ Hands-on training with real fall protection equipment

✅ Multilingual materials and trainers

✅ Registered in DOB NOW with SST card issuance

✅ Includes scaffold and aerial lift-specific modules

✅ Updated for 2025 hazard guidance and technology

🛠️ Final Thoughts

In New York’s vertical construction environment, Fall Prevention Training is not optional—it’s essential. The latest courses are more interactive, customizable, and safety-focused than ever. By choosing a compliant, high-quality program, you’re not only protecting your job site—you’re protecting lives.

Whether you’re onboarding a new crew or refreshing annual safety certifications, investing in up-to-date Fall Prevention Training is one of the smartest decisions your business can make.

Need help finding a DOB-approved Fall Prevention Training provider or integrating this module into your company’s SST training program? Reach out and we’ll connect you with a certified safety expert.