New York City has introduced new construction safety requirements that expand mandatory training to include mental health and wellbeing, highlighting how local regulations can go beyond federal workplace safety standards.
While the US Occupational Safety and Health Act establishes baseline requirements for workplace safety nationwide, employers are required to comply with additional state and municipal rules where they apply. From 1 January 2026, amendments to the New York City Building Code have come into force, adding compulsory training on mental health and wellness, suicide risk and prevention, and alcohol and substance misuse to the city’s Site Safety Training (SST) framework.
Under the New York City Building Code, most workers and supervisors operating on certain construction and demolition sites must hold a valid SST card. The requirement applies specifically to projects that require a Site Safety Plan or the appointment of a Site Safety Professional. To obtain an SST card, individuals must complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training covering a range of safety-related subjects.
The latest amendment expands those minimum training requirements by formally incorporating mental health education. The change reflects growing recognition of the role mental health plays in construction site safety, particularly in a sector associated with high stress, long working hours and elevated injury and fatality risks.
Alongside broadening training content, the revised rules also introduce greater flexibility around SST card renewals. Previously, expired cards required workers to complete the full training process again. Under the updated framework, SST cards can now be renewed up to one year after expiry, provided that the required SST credits were completed within the 12 months preceding the expiration date and that the renewal application is submitted within the permitted timeframe.
For employers operating in New York City, the changes carry immediate compliance implications. Companies are expected to review existing training programmes and confirm that their approved SST providers offer mental health courses that meet the updated city requirements. Failure to comply could expose employers to enforcement action or civil penalties under the building code.
The amendment also serves as a broader reminder for employers beyond New York City. While federal safety legislation provides a common foundation, state and local authorities retain the power to impose more stringent obligations. Regular reviews of regional regulatory requirements are therefore essential, particularly for organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
As mental health becomes an increasingly prominent component of occupational safety strategies, New York City’s approach may influence other cities and states considering similar updates to construction safety regulations.
