You’ll hear “do you have your OSHA 10?” early in your search. Here’s what it is, when it’s required, and whether to get it before you start.
What it is
OSHA 10 (OSHA 10-Hour Construction) is an introductory safety course that covers the hazards on construction sites: falls, electrical, struck-by and caught-in hazards, and protective equipment. When you finish, you get a card. OSHA 30 is the longer version, usually for foremen and supervisors.
When New York requires it
Under New York Labor Law § 220-h, workers on public construction projects of $250,000 or more (state or municipal work paid at prevailing wage) must have completed an OSHA 10-hour construction course before they start work on the project. Contractors attach proof to their first certified payroll. New York State doesn’t require you to renew it for these projects.
On most private jobs (homes, private businesses) there’s no state law requiring OSHA 10. Many shops still ask for it.
New York City is different
If you’ll work on job sites in New York City, the city has its own Site Safety Training (SST) requirements, and the state Department of Labor notes the city requires OSHA 10 renewal every five years. Programs like Nassau BOCES offer the courses that lead to an SST worker card.
Should you get it before you start?
Usually, yes:
- It’s short: about 10 hours, often over two days or online.
- It shows a shop you’re serious and ready for a job site.
- It’s required the day you set foot on a big public job, and some shops do those.
- You’ll learn things that keep you safe in your first weeks.
Take it from an OSHA-authorized trainer, so your card is real. Pre-apprenticeship programs often include it for free (see pre-apprenticeship programs on Long Island).