Introduction

The term “OSHA 40-Hour Certification” is one of the most common misconceptions in workplace safety training. Many workers and employers assume OSHA recognizes a 40-hour Outreach program, but in reality, no such course exists. OSHA only recognizes the 10-Hour Outreach Training and the 30-Hour Outreach Training

So, where does the idea of the “OSHA 40” come from? The confusion comes from NYC 40-Hour Site Safety Training (SST) program, which is usually mistakenly referred to as “OSHA 40.”

Where the Term “OSHA 40” Comes From:

When workers say they need “OSHA 40,” they are almost always referring to New York City’s 40-Hour Site Safety Training (SST) requirement under Local Law 196 of 2017.

This law requires most construction workers on major job sites to complete 40 hours of Site Safety Training in order to qualify for a Site Safety Training (SST) card. Without this card, workers are not permitted to work on these projects

The 40 hours include:

• OSHA 30-Hour Training (Construction)
• 10 additional hours of NYC-specific SST courses (such as Drug & Alcohol Awareness and Fall Prevention)

This is why the term “OSHA 40 Certification” became common. However, it is not accurate because OSHA does not approve a 40-hour Outreach program.

OSHA 10 + OSHA 30 Does Not Equal OSHA 40

Another misconception is that OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 add up to OSHA 40. Many workers believe completing both somehow fulfills the required training and results in a 40-Hour SST card.

• OSHA 10-Hour Training: Entry-level training for workers
• OSHA 30-Hour Training: Advanced training for supervisors and safety roles

Completing both does not equal “OSHA 40” and does not meet the 40-Hour SST requirement in NYC. The two programs are recognized individually, and only OSHA 30 combined with 10 additional SST hours qualifies a worker for the SST card.

What OSHA Actually Authorizes

To make things clear, OSHA officially authorizes only two Outreach Training options: the 10-hour and the 30-hour programs. These are available in Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Agriculture, but they are always delivered in either 10-hour or 30-hour formats. There is no official OSHA 40. In New York City, the term refers specifically to the 40-Hour Site Safety Training (SST), which is regulated by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), not OSHA.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Knowing the difference between OSHA Outreach Training and NYC Site Safety Training is important for both compliance and safety.

• For NYC construction workers: A 40-Hour SST card is mandatory on most major jobsites.
• For general U.S. workplaces:Only OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 are officially authorized and accepted.

OSHA Training School Safety Courses

At OSHA Training School, we offer programs that meet both federal and local requirements, including:

• OSHA 10-Hour Training
• OSHA 30-Hour Training
• NYC Site Safety Training (SST) Courses

Conclusion

There is no such thing as 40-Hour Outreach course. What people call “OSHA 40” actually refers to New York City’s 40-Hour Site Safety Training program, regulated by the NYC Department of Buildings. OSHA only authorizes 10- and 30-hour Outreach courses, which do not combine to equal 40 hours. Understanding this difference helps workers pursue the right training, stay compliant with regulations, and contribute to safer job sites.