On Monday New York Mayor Bill de Blasio approved a new law that will require construction workers to have at least 40 hours of safety training. The final bill does waive the requirement for workers who have had an apprenticeship the city deems as extensive training.
The city is apparently kicking in $5 million to help pay for the training to help small companies as well as minority- and women-owned firms meet the requirements. However, many of the bill's opponents say the $5 million won't help cover the costs for the bulk of construction workers affected by the new law.
According to Construction Dive, construction workers affected by the new law will be required to complete an OSHA approved 10-hour safety course or an equivalent by March 2018, and the remainder of the training hours must be completed by December 2018.
