OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30 vs. 40-Hour SST Card: What Do You Actually Need?

If you’re starting a construction job in New York City, you’ll quickly hear different safety requirements: OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and the 40-Hour SST Card. They are not the same — and choosing the right one depends on your job role.

Below is the simplest explanation to help you stay fully compliant.

OSHA 10 — For Workers (Entry-Level)

What it is: 

A 10-hour federal OSHA training covering basic safety, hazards, and worker rights.

Who needs it: 

• Laborers 

• Entry-level workers 

• Anyone starting in construction who is not a supervisor

Important: 

In NYC, OSHA 10 alone is not enough to work on a job site under Local Law 196. You’ll still need to build up to 40 hours of Site Safety Training (SST).

OSHA 30 — For Supervisors & Experienced Workers

What it is: 

A 30-hour OSHA course with deeper training on regulations, leadership, and hazard prevention.

Who needs it: 

• Forepersons 

• Site supervisors 

• Safety coordinators 

• Anyone in a leadership position

In NYC: OSHA 30 counts toward your SST requirement, but you still need additional SST courses to get the final Supervisor SST Card (62 hours).

40-Hour SST Card — Required in NYC (Local Law 196)

This is New York City’s specific safety requirement, not a federal OSHA program.

What it is: 

A total of 40 hours of approved Site Safety Training that includes: 

• OSHA 10 (or OSHA 30) 

• Additional SST modules (e.g., Fall Prevention, Drug & Alcohol Awareness)

Who needs it: 

• Almost all NYC construction workers on major job sites

This is the minimum required card to work legally on most construction sites in NYC.

So… Which One Do YOU Need?

Here’s the simplest rule:

If you are a worker (not supervising):

40-Hour Worker SST Card (OSHA 10 + additional SST courses)

If you are a supervisor:

62-Hour Supervisor SST Card (OSHA 30 + extra SST modules)

If you work outside NYC:

Usually OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 is enough — the 40-hour SST requirement applies mainly to NYC.

4 Simple Steps to Stay Compliant

Step 1 — Confirm your job role

Worker or supervisor? Your role determines the training level.

Step 2 — Choose your starting point

• New worker → Start with OSHA 10 

• Supervisor → Start with OSHA 30

Step 3 — Complete required SST courses

Add the NYC-specific Site Safety Training hours until you reach: • 40 hours for workers • 62 hours for supervisors

Step 4 — Get your official SST Card

Once all hours are complete, you receive a plastic, DOB-approved card. Carry it on site at all times — inspectors will check it.

Quick Summary

Training	Who Needs It	Required in NYC?	What It Covers
OSHA 10	Workers	Yes, but not enough alone	Basic construction safety
OSHA 30	Supervisors	Yes, partial requirement	Advanced safety + leadership
40-Hour SST Card	Workers in NYC	YES	OSHA 10 + SST courses
62-Hour SST Card	Supervisors in NYC	YES	OSHA 30 + SST courses