New York City has enacted a groundbreaking local law aimed at addressing mental health challenges in the construction industry, highlighting the growing concern around suicide prevention and substance misuse. The law amends the City’s Building Code to broaden the scope of required Site Safety Training (SST), ensuring that workers and supervisors are educated on mental health, wellness, and addiction awareness.
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Under the updated regulations, SST cards—which are mandatory for most workers and supervisors on construction or demolition sites requiring a Site Safety Plan or a Site Safety Professional—will now require completion of two SST credits specifically focused on mental health topics. These include suicide risk assessment, prevention strategies, and alcohol or substance misuse awareness.
“These new requirements supplement existing training obligations, including OSHA courses and fall protection programs, but place a crucial emphasis on mental health,” said K. Joy Chin, labor and employment attorney at Jackson Lewis P.C. “Construction sites are high-stress environments, and this law recognizes that mental well-being is as critical as physical safety.”
The legislation also introduces flexibility for SST card renewals. Both worker and supervisor cards can now be renewed up to one year after expiration, provided the new mental health-related SST credits are completed prior to submitting the renewal. This grace period offers workers and employers time to adapt to the updated requirements while ensuring continued compliance.
Passed by the City Council in December 2025, the bill became law on January 3, 2026, under the New York City Charter. With a 120-day window before enforcement begins, employers are advised to review current training protocols and verify that approved SST providers offer qualifying courses. Failure to comply may result in civil penalties or enforcement actions under the Building Code.
Experts note that integrating mental health into safety training is an overdue measure. “Workers in construction face significant stressors daily, from tight deadlines to physically demanding tasks. Addressing mental health is key to overall safety and productivity,” said Sierra Vierra, employment law attorney with Jackson Lewis.
The law also aims to reduce stigma around mental health in the industry, encouraging workers to seek help when needed. With suicide rates and substance abuse incidents remaining high in the construction sector, the policy provides a structured educational framework for early identification and intervention.
Employers and supervisors should begin reviewing their internal SST programs and coordinate with certified training providers to ensure the new mental health courses are integrated. For legal guidance or questions regarding compliance with NYC’s updated Site Safety Training requirements, companies may consult a Jackson Lewis attorney.
Originally reported by K. Joy Chin, Sierra Vierra, Jackson Lewis P.C.- OSHA Law Blog.
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