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In a major step toward digitizing and streamlining construction safety compliance, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has introduced the Worker Wallet Card (WWC)—a new credentialing system that consolidates multiple training certifications into a single, scannable ID. This initiative, which became mandatory on July 1, 2025, is designed to improve verification, reduce fraud, and enhance safety oversight on construction sites across the city.
What Is the Worker Wallet Card?
The Worker Wallet Card is a digital and physical credential issued to individuals who successfully complete certain NYC DOB-approved safety training courses. It is not a replacement for the Site Safety Training (SST) card but is linked to the individual’s profile in the Training Connect system, NYC’s centralized database for construction safety credentials.
As of November 1, 2024, anyone completing training in the following areas is eligible for a WWC:
- Supported and suspended scaffold user training
- Rigging worker and supervisor training
- Climber or tower crane rigger training
- Mast climber operator training
- Periodic gas piping inspection training
By July 1, 2025, possession of the WWC becomes mandatory for these certifications. Any previous training credentials issued before this date will be considered invalid, regardless of expiration date.
Why the Change?
The DOB’s move to implement the WWC stems from a growing need to:
- Prevent counterfeit certifications
- Ensure real-time verification of worker credentials
- Improve job site safety and accountability
- Streamline enforcement and inspections
The WWC allows site supervisors, DOB inspectors, and employers to scan and verify a worker’s training status instantly. This eliminates the need for paper certificates and reduces the risk of fraudulent or expired documentation being used on active job sites.
Scaffold Safety: A Critical Focus
Scaffold-related incidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in NYC construction. According to DOB regulations:
- All workers using supported scaffolds, regardless of height, must complete a 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User Training.
- Supervisors overseeing suspended scaffolds must complete a 32-Hour Suspended Scaffold Supervisor Training.
- Scaffold drawings must be signed and sealed by a Registered Design Professional (RDP), and include details such as base structure, wind effects, anchor types, and load capacity. Source: NYC Building Code Section 3314.
The WWC ensures that only properly trained individuals are allowed to work on or supervise scaffold operations, reducing the likelihood of accidents due to unqualified personnel.
Training Requirements for WWC Eligibility
To obtain a Worker Wallet Card, individuals must complete NYC DOB-approved courses. For scaffold users, this includes:
- 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User Training
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (depending on role)
- Fall Prevention
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Courses must be taken through authorized providers and uploaded to the Training Connect system. Once verified, the WWC is issued and mailed to the worker. Employers can also request digital verification for onboarding and compliance checks.
Enforcement and Penalties
Starting July 1, 2025, DOB inspectors will begin enforcing WWC requirements. Workers found on-site without a valid WWC for scaffold or rigging operations may face:
- Immediate removal from the job site
- Fines for the employer or contractor
- Suspension of work permits
- DOB violations and stop-work orders
Additionally, any training credentials issued before June 30, 2025, that are not linked to a WWC will be considered null and void. This includes paper certificates, wallet-sized cards, and digital PDFs not registered in Training Connect.
Benefits of the Worker Wallet Card
The WWC offers several advantages for workers, employers, and regulators:
- Multilingual Support: Cards and training are available in English and Spanish.
- Centralized Credentialing: All certifications are stored in one place.
- Real-Time Verification: QR codes and digital scans allow instant access to training records.
- Fraud Prevention: Reduces the risk of forged or expired documents.
- Compliance Tracking: Employers can monitor training status and renewal deadlines.
Industry Response
Construction firms and safety managers have largely welcomed the WWC initiative. “It’s a game-changer for compliance,” says Maggie Massimine, Director of Operations at Gallagher Bassett. “We’ve seen too many cases where expired or fake cards were used. This system gives us confidence that every worker is properly trained.”
Training providers like GBTS Training Academy have already integrated WWC issuance into their programs. Students who complete scaffold or rigging training are automatically registered in Training Connect and receive their WWC within days.
How to Get Your WWC
Workers must:
- Complete the required training through a DOB-approved provider.
- Ensure their credentials are uploaded to Training Connect.
- Request the WWC via the provider or directly through the DOB portal.
- Carry the card at all times on job sites.
Employers should:
- Verify WWC status during onboarding.
- Maintain digital records of employee credentials.
- Schedule refresher training before expiration dates.
Get compliant now.
Enroll in the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User Training and apply for your Worker Wallet Card today.
