How Local Law 196 is Affecting Construction

Worker safety has always been of paramount importance to municipal, state, and federal governments. However, these governments have continuously developed new measures to make workplaces safer. While regulations have existed for decades, workplace safety ascended to new heights when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formed in 1971 to ensure workers’ safety. OSHA isn’t only concerned with workers’ safety on construction sites. Instead, it aims to ensure their safety across all industries.

But that doesn’t mean ensuring site safety on construction sites isn’t important. Research shows that the construction industry in NYC is particularly dangerous for workers. A New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health shows that the fatality rate in NYC exceeds the nationwide average for construction site deaths. In addition, research also shows that the construction industry accounts for approximately one in four workplace deaths in NYC.

NYC’s Department of Buildings understands that construction-related deaths and injuries are a significant issue in NYC. DOB’s Chapter 33 aims to implement more safety measures to ensure worksite safety. In addition, Local Law 196 of 2017 is also impacting construction sites across the city.

What is Local Law 196?

Local Law 196 was introduced in 2017 in response to NYC’s rising construction-related deaths and injuries. The law introduced several important regulations, including the requirement of a site safety plan, the designation of a site safety coordinator or manager, and permit holders ensuring workers and supervisors completed the necessary OSHA and DOB-mandated training.

What is an SST Card?

Local Law 196 of 2017 introduced the importance of workers having the necessary site safety training to work on construction or demolition sites. Section 3302.1 of DOB’s Chapter 33 states that a site safety training provider must issue an SST card to a person who applies. The applicant must complete a ten-hour OSHA class. In addition, they must also obtain 30-45 additional SST credits, including eight SST credits of fall prevention training. Alternatively, the applicant must also have completed a 30-hour OSHA class with 10-25 additional SST credits, including eight SST credits on fall prevention. Workers also have another option involving undertaking a 100-hour training program.

It’s also important to note that SST cards expire after five years of issuance. They must be renewed by applicants after completing eight SST credits in the previous year.

How Local Law 196 is Affecting the Future of Construction

Local Law 196 is affecting the future of construction because it aims to minimize construction fatalities and injuries. It’s important to note that the law has already achieved its objectives, with construction-related injuries and fatalities decreasing steadily across the country over the past three years.