2-Hour Mental Health Awareness

Course Overview

The 2-Hour Mental Health Awareness (SST-308) course is a required Site Safety Training (SST) course developed in accordance with the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) requirements under Local Law 196.

Construction workers experience significantly higher rates of stress, depression, substance misuse, and suicide than many other industries. Recognizing these risks, New York City now requires all workers and supervisors seeking a new or renewed SST Card to complete dedicated training covering mental health awareness, suicide prevention, alcohol and substance misuse, and available support resources.

This course equips participants with the knowledge to recognize warning signs in themselves and their coworkers, understand the importance of seeking help early, reduce workplace stigma surrounding mental health, and contribute to a safer and healthier construction environment.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is intended for:

• Construction workers obtaining a new SST Worker Card
• Construction supervisors obtaining a new SST Supervisor Card
• Workers renewing an existing SST Card
• Construction Superintendents
• Site Safety Managers
• Site Safety Coordinators
• Competent Persons
• Employers seeking compliance with NYC DOB Site Safety Training requirements

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand mental health and wellness within the construction industry
• Recognize common mental health conditions affecting workers
• Identify warning signs of emotional distress and suicide risk
• Understand how stress, fatigue, and mental health impact workplace safety
• Recognize the relationship between mental health and alcohol or substance misuse
• Learn practical strategies for supporting coworkers in crisis
• Identify available professional and community mental health resources
• Promote a culture of psychological safety on construction sites
• Understand employer and employee responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace

Course Topics

This course covers:

• Mental health awareness in construction
• Suicide risk factors and prevention
• Stress management and resilience
• Alcohol and substance misuse awareness
• Recognizing behavioral warning signs
• Peer support and intervention techniques
• Reducing stigma in the workplace
• Accessing professional support services
• NYC DOB Site Safety Training requirements

NYC SST Requirement

Effective May 3, 2026, the NYC Department of Buildings requires workers and supervisors applying for or renewing a Site Safety Training (SST) Card to complete 2 hours of Mental Health Awareness training.

Beginning August 1, 2026, this course fully replaces the former 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness course within the SST curriculum. Existing SST cardholders are not required to retake the course until they apply for a new or renewed SST card.

Why NYC Created This Requirement

The construction industry is one of the most physically demanding and high-risk occupations in the United States. While much attention has traditionally focused on preventing physical injuries, growing research has highlighted the significant impact that mental health has on worker safety, well-being, and job performance.

Construction workers often face long hours, physically demanding work, changing job sites, seasonal employment, financial pressures, and exposure to traumatic incidents. These factors can contribute to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and substance misuse. Studies have also shown that workers in the construction industry experience higher rates of suicide than many other occupations.

Recognizing these challenges, the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) updated the Site Safety Training (SST) curriculum to include dedicated Mental Health Awareness training. The goal is to help workers and supervisors recognize when someone may be struggling, understand how mental health can affect workplace safety, and encourage early intervention before a crisis develops.

This course also emphasizes that mental health is a workplace safety issue. Workers experiencing significant stress, fatigue, depression, or substance misuse may have reduced concentration, slower reaction times, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of workplace accidents. By promoting awareness and encouraging open conversations, employers and workers can help create safer construction sites for everyone.

In addition to recognizing warning signs, the course introduces practical strategies for supporting coworkers, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, and identifying professional resources that are available to workers and their families. Understanding when and how to connect someone with appropriate assistance can make a meaningful difference both on and off the job site.

The Mental Health Awareness requirement also reflects a broader shift within the construction industry toward a more comprehensive approach to safety. Just as workers are trained to recognize physical hazards, they are now expected to understand the importance of psychological well-being as an essential component of a safe and productive workplace.

By completing the 2-Hour Mental Health Awareness (SST-308) course, workers not only satisfy NYC DOB Site Safety Training requirements but also gain valuable knowledge that can help protect themselves, support their coworkers, and contribute to a healthier and more resilient construction workforce.

Course Information

Course Code: SST-308

Course Duration: 2 Hours

Course Language: English

Delivery Method: Online

Certificate: Certificate of Completion

Applies Toward:

• NYC SST Worker Card
• NYC SST Supervisor Card

Why Choose PDH STAR?

PDH STAR is an approved NYC DOB Site Safety Training provider committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and compliant construction safety education.

Our courses are designed to help workers and employers meet regulatory requirements while improving workplace safety through practical, real-world instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course required for an SST Card?

Yes. Effective August 1, 2026, the 2-Hour Mental Health Awareness course is a mandatory component of the NYC DOB Site Safety Training requirements for new and renewed SST Worker and Supervisor Cards.

Does this replace the Drug and Alcohol Awareness course?

Yes. Beginning August 1, 2026, the 2-Hour Mental Health Awareness course replaces the former 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness course within the SST curriculum. Between May 3 and August 1, 2026, either course could be used during the transition period.

Who is required to take this course?

Construction workers and supervisors working on NYC job sites requiring Site Safety Training under Local Law 196 who are obtaining or renewing an SST Card.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion in accordance with NYC DOB requirements.

Is this course available online?

Yes. This course is offered online through PDH STAR in accordance with NYC DOB Site Safety Training requirements.