As of July 1, 2025, construction workers across New York City must carry the new Worker Wallet Card to perform certain specialized tasks or operate designated equipment. This change impacts workers, forepersons, and contractors citywide, with significant implications for both safety compliance and potential legal liability in the event of an accident.
How the Worker Wallet Card Came About
The Worker Wallet Card is part of the New York City Department of Buildings’ broader initiative to modernize and streamline safety training verification. For years, construction workers had to carry multiple laminated cards—one for each certification—leading to lost cards, expired credentials going unnoticed, and difficulties for inspectors verifying qualifications on site.
In June 2010, the Department of Buildings announced the plan for full implementation of a single, digital-verifiable card. The idea was to improve enforcement of safety regulations by consolidating approved training credentials into one secure format, linked to the Training Connect App. After years of gradual rollout, the July 1, 2025 deadline marked the date when the Worker Wallet became the only acceptable proof of certain high-risk task certifications on NYC job sites.
What the Worker Wallet Card Replaces
The Worker Wallet consolidates multiple qualification cards into one, covering certifications for:
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Mast Climber User/Operator and Refresher
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Climber/Tower Crane Rigger
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Rigging Supervisor
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Rigging Worker
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Supported Scaffold User
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Supported Scaffold Installer & Remover
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Suspended Scaffold User
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Suspended Scaffold Supervisor
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Periodic Gas Piping Inspector
Workers must still present their Site Safety Training (SST) Card in addition to the Worker Wallet Card.
Why This Matters for Worker Safety and Employer Liability
The Worker Wallet improves safety oversight by making it quick and easy to verify that a worker has the proper training for high-risk tasks. For jobs involving cranes, scaffolds, rigging, or gas piping inspections—where accidents can be deadly—this verification is critical.
From a legal perspective, the change increases employer responsibility. Contractors must ensure every worker is properly credentialed before assigning them to dangerous work. Allowing uncertified workers on these tasks could result in significant liability if an accident occurs.
Immediate Compliance is Required
If you are a worker and have not yet replaced your individual qualification cards with a Worker Wallet, you must do so immediately through a Registered Course Provider. Continuing to work without it can result in removal from the job site, penalties, or work stoppages.
Legal Help for Injured Construction Workers
At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we have represented injured construction workers for more than 100 years, securing some of the largest verdicts and settlements in New York. If you were injured on a job site—whether due to lack of proper training, unsafe equipment, or employer negligence—call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation with our experienced construction accident lawyers.
Picture Source: NYC DOB