SST Signs in NYC: Languages, Format and Where to Post Them

By Abie B.
October 24, 2026
Signage Tips & Business Advice

Site Safety Training (SST) is an important part of construction safety in New York City. At covered construction sites, workers must meet the applicable training requirements before they can perform their jobs. Contractors also need to make sure workers understand the site’s safety procedures and training requirements.

SST signs help communicate safety information to construction workers. The language, format, and placement matter because workers need to understand the information and find it when they enter the site.

NYC has specific requirements for site safety training and construction site signage. This guide explains what contractors should know about SST signs, multilingual safety information, sign placement, and the difference between an SST sign and an SST card.

What Is an SST Sign?

An SST sign is a construction site notice used to communicate information about Site Safety Training requirements. It helps workers understand the training rules that apply to the site and where to find safety information. NYC’s original worker safety information sign rule included details about training requirements, training deadlines, and reporting unsafe conditions. However, the separate rule covering these signs was repealed in 2025 because the Department of Buildings stated that its provisions were already covered by the Building Code.

Contractors should therefore check the current NYC Building Code and Department of Buildings (DOB) guidance before ordering a sign. An old SST sign template may contain requirements or deadlines that no longer reflect current rules.

An SST sign is different from other common construction signs, including:

SST cards: Personal credentials showing that a worker has completed the required training.
Construction project information panels: Signs displaying project details, owner information, contractor details, and other required information.
General construction warning signs: Notices such as Danger, Hard Hat Required, and Authorized Personnel Only.
Emergency and evacuation signs: Signs that provide directions or instructions during an emergency.

Each sign serves a different purpose. One sign should not be treated as a replacement for another sign or safety requirement.

Which Languages Must an SST Sign Include?

Language is an important part of construction site safety. Workers must be able to understand the information they receive about training, hazards, and site procedures.

NYC Building Code Section 3301.11.4 requires information about site safety training to be made available to workers in the designated citywide languages and any additional languages required by DOB rules. This requirement applies to the information provided during site safety orientations and refreshers.

The languages needed at a site can depend on the workforce. Contractors should identify the languages their workers understand and make sure the required information is available in the appropriate languages.

Is English and Spanish Enough?

Not necessarily. English and Spanish may cover some workers, but other sites may have workers who communicate in additional languages.

Languages used on construction sites can include:

English
Spanish
Bengali
Chinese
Russian
Polish

This is an example list, not a universal requirement to print every language on every sign. Contractors should confirm which languages apply to their site and follow the current rules.

How to Choose the Right Languages

Before preparing multilingual safety signage, contractors should:

Identify the languages workers use to communicate.
Check the current DOB requirements for the type of information being displayed.
Use accurate translations of all required safety information.
Make sure the text remains readable when multiple languages appear on one sign.
Review the final artwork before printing.

Do not rely on an assumed percentage of workers who speak a language unless that threshold is confirmed in the current applicable rule. The language requirements for worker safety information should be verified before production.

SST Sign Size, Colors and Format

The sign’s size and design affect how easily workers can read the information. However, the correct specifications depend on the applicable requirements and the type of sign being produced.

What Size Should an SST Sign Be?

DOB’s original worker safety information sign specifications described a panel measuring 44 inches wide by 30 inches high. These dimensions are useful historical reference information, but the separate rule containing the specifications was repealed in 2025.

Contractors should not assume that the old dimensions automatically establish the current legal requirements for every SST-related sign. Confirm the current DOB instructions and applicable code provisions before approving the final sign size.

Colors and Lettering

The original DOB sign specifications used white lettering on a blue background, with a blue color identified as Pantone 296. They also specified Calibri or a similar sans-serif typeface and a minimum letter height of 1 inch.

These details describe the original published format. Because the separate rule was repealed, verify the current applicable specifications before using them as mandatory production requirements.

For any construction safety sign, the design should make the main message easy to read. Use clear lettering, strong contrast, consistent spacing, and a layout that separates different sections of information.

Choosing a Suitable Sign Material

Construction signs may be exposed to rain, wind, sunlight, dirt, and repeated contact. The material should be suitable for the installation location and the expected length of use.

Aluminum: A rigid option for durable outdoor signage.
Rigid plastic: A lightweight option for many temporary signs, provided it meets the applicable requirements.
Vinyl: Useful for printed graphics and applications where a flexible material is suitable.

Do not assume that every product made from these materials meets the requirements for a regulated construction sign. Confirm any applicable durability, weather-resistance, flame-resistance, and mounting requirements before ordering.

Where Should SST Signs Be Posted?

Placement determines whether workers can see and use the information. The exact location requirements should be checked against the current rules that apply to the site and the sign type.

Construction Sites With Fencing

DOB’s original worker safety information sign rule required signs at egress points on the inside of construction fencing. It included vehicle delivery gates and existing loading docks in its placement provisions.

Because the separate rule was repealed in 2025, contractors should confirm the current signage requirements before relying on the historical placement instructions as a complete statement of the law.

As a practical matter, place worker information where people entering the site can find it easily. Keep the sign visible and avoid covering it with stored materials, equipment, temporary barriers, or other notices.

Construction Sites Without Fencing

Sites without construction fencing may have different access arrangements. The original rule addressed egress points within the controlled access zone, existing loading docks, and locations used for construction deliveries or access.

Contractors should review the current requirements for their site rather than assume that the same placement method applies to every construction project.

Tips for Better Sign Placement

Whether a sign is required by code or added to improve communication, good placement helps workers find the information they need.

Place the sign where workers can see it when entering the site.
Keep the sign clear of equipment and stored construction materials.
Mount it securely so it cannot fall or become a hazard.
Use a position that allows workers to read the information without blocking access.
Keep the sign clean and replace it if the information becomes difficult to read.
Check that any required mounting height and location rules are followed.

These are general placement recommendations. The current code and applicable DOB instructions take priority where they specify a particular location or mounting method.

What Information Should an SST Sign Include?

The information displayed on an SST sign should match the current requirements for the sign and the site. Contractors should avoid copying old templates without checking their contents.

Depending on the applicable requirements, worker safety information may cover:

Site Safety Training requirements for workers.
Training requirements for designated supervisors and safety personnel.
Information about the applicable SST program.
Directions for finding additional safety information.
Instructions for reporting unsafe conditions, where required.

Do not add old training deadlines from historical templates as though they are current. The original DOB sign materials included dates from 2019 and 2020, which are no longer upcoming deadlines.

Before printing, review the latest DOB guidance and confirm the exact text that must appear on the sign. Required information should be accurate, readable, and translated correctly where applicable.

SST Signs vs. SST Cards

An SST sign and an SST card are not the same thing. A sign communicates information at a worksite, while an SST card provides proof of an individual’s training.

Under Local Law 196 of 2017, covered construction personnel at sites requiring a designated site safety professional must meet the applicable training requirements.

Workers: Generally need an SST card demonstrating at least 40 hours of required safety training.
Designated supervisors and site safety professionals: Generally need a Supervisor SST card demonstrating at least 62 hours of required safety training.

The exact requirements depend on the person’s role and the jobsite. Some exceptions and alternative provisions may apply.

Contractors should confirm whether their project requires SST cards by checking the current DOB guidance and the city’s Site Safety Construction Map. Each card must be validated as required before the worker is allowed to enter the site.

Posting an SST sign does not prove that workers have completed the required training. Likewise, an SST card does not replace any signage or site safety obligations that apply to the project.

Common SST Sign Mistakes

Construction signage is less effective when it contains incorrect information, uses an unsuitable format, or is placed where workers cannot see it. Contractors should avoid these common mistakes:

Using outdated templates: Old signs may contain historical training deadlines or requirements that have changed.
Choosing the wrong languages: Safety information may not reach workers if the required languages are missing.
Using an unsuitable format: The sign may not match the applicable specifications.
Placing signs out of view: Equipment, materials, or other notices can block important information.
Using poor translations: Incorrect wording can make safety instructions difficult to understand.
Ignoring the sign’s condition: Faded, damaged, or loose signs may become difficult to read or unsafe.
Confusing signs with training credentials: A posted sign does not replace the required SST card.
Assuming one rule applies to every site: Requirements can differ by project type, role, permit, and applicable code provision.

Review the sign before production and check it again after installation. Make sure the information remains readable and any required updates are completed.

Order Construction Safety Signs in NYC

Signs NYC produces custom signage for contractors, property managers, businesses, and construction projects. If you need SST-related information signs or other construction safety signage, share the sign type, required content, dimensions, languages, quantity, and installation location. Our team can review your requested specifications and help prepare the sign for production. For regulated signage, confirm the applicable DOB requirements before approving the final artwork. Request a Quote or call 718-453-8300 to discuss your construction signage needs.

Official NYC Resources

Note: SST and construction signage requirements may change. This article is general information, not a determination of compliance for a specific project. Check the current NYC Building Code and DOB guidance before producing or installing regulated signage.

Abie B.

Abie, a sign maker and author with 20 years of experience in fabrication, is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with readers. His mission is to help others create beautiful, custom signs that will last for years.