Construction training requirements
Federal OSHA Does Not Require an OSHA 10 Card Nationwide
OSHA’s 10-hour and 30-hour Outreach courses are voluntary federal hazard-awareness programs. They are not professional certifications and do not replace the task-specific training employers must provide under applicable OSHA standards.
However, some states, cities, public agencies, project owners, unions, and employers do require an OSHA Outreach card—or an expressly approved equivalent—as a condition of work. Most of these rules apply to defined construction or public-works projects, not every worker in the state.
State public-works examples
Where State Rules Commonly Require OSHA 10 Construction Training
The examples below are limited to prominent state public-works requirements. They are not a complete list of every local ordinance, contract clause, licensing condition, or employer policy in the United States.
Covered Public Works
Connecticut requires qualifying workers on specified public-works projects to have a recognized 10-hour construction safety record. Completion evidence more than five years old does not satisfy the state rule.
Public Work Over $10,000
Employees on covered public works and public-agency building projects over the statutory threshold must complete an OSHA-approved construction safety and health course of at least 10 hours before beginning work.
Public Works Contractors
Missouri’s Construction Safety Training Act applies to contractors and subcontractors on public works. It accepts OSHA 10 construction training or a similar program approved by the Division of Labor Standards.
Construction Employment
Nevada has statewide construction-training rules: construction workers generally need an OSHA 10 card and supervisory employees an OSHA 30 card within the applicable hiring period.
Public Works Over $100,000
New Hampshire requires on-site employees on qualifying state or municipal public works to complete an OSHA 10-hour construction safety program, subject to the statutory scope and exemptions.
Article 8 Public Work
For covered public-work contracts with advertised specifications of $250,000 or more, New York requires workers to show completion of a qualifying OSHA 10 safety course before performing work.
Public Works Over $100,000
On-site employees on covered municipal and state construction projects with a total cost of $100,000 or more must have OSHA 10 construction training and carry the required proof while work is performed.
Public Improvements Over $50,000
Contractors and subcontractors on covered public-improvement projects must ensure employees complete the required OSHA-designed 10-hour construction safety program within the statutory time frame.
Local rules can be stricter
Important City-Specific Requirements
Local construction requirements may be more detailed than state rules and may require their own approved-provider system, higher hour totals, supervisor training, or periodic renewal.
Construction and Demolition Work
Philadelphia—not Pennsylvania statewide—requires covered construction and demolition workers to complete OSHA 10 Construction through an authorized Outreach trainer or an approved alternative. Contractor licensing can also require a qualifying OSHA 30-trained supervisor.
Site Safety Training Cards
NYC’s requirements are not satisfied by OSHA 10 alone on covered major construction sites. Workers generally need an SST card showing 40 hours of approved training; designated supervisors generally need a Supervisor SST card showing 62 hours.
Before you choose training
Three Checks to Make
Read the Exact Requirement
Look for the words “Outreach,” “DOL card,” “authorized trainer,” “approved provider,” “SST,” or “approved equivalent.”
Confirm the Scope
Check whether the requirement applies to the project type, funding source, location, worker role, and contract value.
Verify With the Authority
When a card is a condition of access, confirm the accepted provider and completion evidence with the employer, contracting authority, or licensing body.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Use This as a Starting Point—Not Final Legal Advice
Laws, city rules, public procurement requirements, and contract conditions can change. This guide summarizes selected official requirements for orientation only. Always follow the current project documents and the governing authority’s published requirements.
If an OSHA Outreach card is not specifically required, see our Construction vs. General Industry training guide to understand which type of broader workplace safety education best fits the work being performed.
