NYC Expands Construction Safety Training to Include Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness, by Andrew Richards, Esq., 1-7-2026

On January 3, 2026, the New York City Council enacted legislation requiring that Site Safety Training (SST) for construction workers and supervisors include new, mandatory training on mental health awareness, alcohol and substance misuse, and suicide risk and prevention.

The law amends the definitions of “Site Safety Training (SST) card” and “Site Safety Training (SST) Supervisor card” in the New York City Building Code to require applicants to complete two SST credits addressing these topics.

This legislation modifies New York City’s existing construction safety training framework applicable to Department of Buildings (DOB)–permitted worksites where SST is required and will affect most major construction projects throughout the City.

Who Is Covered

The new requirements apply to individuals who are already required to hold valid SST cards under existing law, including:

• Construction and demolition workers at DOB-permitted sites subject to SST requirements; and
• Site supervisors, site safety managers, site safety coordinators, and other covered supervisory personnel required to maintain supervisor-level SST cards.

Any worker or supervisor who is currently required to hold an SST card to work on a DOB-permitted site will be subject to these new training requirements.

Pursuant to the statute, the law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law.

Next Steps for Employers

While it is anticipated there will be further guidance, employers should consider preparing to incorporate these changes by:

• Monitoring DOB rulemaking, Buildings Bulletins, and implementation guidance;
• Coordinating with DOB-approved SST course providers regarding integration of the new training credits;
• Updating onboarding materials, compliance calendars, and subcontractor agreements as needed; and
• Aligning training compliance efforts with existing HR and employee assistance or wellness programs to ensure access to support resources.

Author: Andrew Richards, Co-Chair of KD’s Construction Practice Group and Co-Managing Partner of the Long Island office