Press Release - Buildings

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For Immediate Release
May 29, 2020
Contact: dobcommunications@buildings.nyc.gov,
(212) 393-2126

SOCIAL DISTANCING: CONSTRUCTION TRAINING & LICENSE RENEWALS NOW ONLINE

Expanding online course opportunities and license renewals helps NYC construction workers meet training requirements and keeps them working during ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

New York, NY – The Department of Buildings has expanded the number of training courses that course providers can deliver online and for the first time enabled license renewals to be performed online. These reforms represent a dramatic step forward in customer service while also helping to limit the public health risks associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. This expansion is in addition to the many Site Safety Training (SST) classes that are already available online. Training providers across the city have already begun registration for these new online classes, and more providers can elect to put their courses online in the future. In addition, all renewals for DOB-issued licenses can now be processed online. Many DOB services have moved to online-only during the pandemic, leading to a 90% decrease in foot traffic in our borough offices.

“We are rapidly adapting how we do business to ensure workers and the public remain safe during these uncertain times,” said Department of Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. “Making as many services as possible available online is essential to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our friends and neighbors.”

The online expansion of required training is part of the agency's commitment to keeping every New Yorker safe. Approved course providers can now provide online training for required licenses, certifications, and worker cards. This training includes classes necessary for plumbers, electricians, riggers and site safety professionals. The online classes currently available must be delivered live and adhere to DOB’s stringent online training policy. All course providers in New York City that are approved for both in-person and online instruction must meet the Department’s rigorous accreditation standards. The newly available professional training courses will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Polish. You can read more here.

Using the Department’s Approved Course Provider Map tool on our website, course seekers will now be able to filter through course providers by availability of online training, in addition to language and type of training.

In addition to these courses now offered remotely, Site Safety Training (SST) courses were already provided online, so workers on larger and more complex work sites could get the safety training they need and continue the important work of building and maintaining our city. All construction and demolition workers on the city’s SST sites are required by law to have at least 40 hours of approved safety training by September 1, 2020. Mandatory SST has been a contributing factor in the decrease of construction related injuries, which saw a decline of over 20% last year – the first drop in nearly a decade. As of April, more than 80,000 SST cards, which show proof that the training has been completed, have been issued.

To help keep New Yorkers safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, DOB’s borough offices have worked quickly to reduce in-person transactions and moved most services online, resulting in an over 90% reduction of foot traffic.We are continuing to add new functionalities to DOB NOW, our online filing portal, to file for more job types, license types, and building filings. Service notices have been issued regularly to keep NYC informed. More information about our COVID-19 response can be found by visiting the DOB Website.

“I applaud the steps the Department of Buildings is taking to adapt to the dangers the COVID-19 pandemic presents,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., Chair of the City Council's Housing & Buildings Committee. “Adjusting to allow for online training and online license renewals will contribute to keeping our shared communities safe.”

“We are extremely pleased with the Departments’ efforts to expand online training so our members can safely earn required credits. The new online license renewal process is a welcome relief for our Staten Island based members who no longer need to lose a workday by coming into Manhattan to renew licenses,” said Jessica Fortino, Executive Officer, The Building Industry Association of NYC.

“The Queens & Bronx Building Association applauds the efforts of the Department of Buildings during the current COVID-19 pandemic. It has made significant strides to lessen the potential for pandemic-related issues by its continued effort to reduce in-person interactions. Allowing a means for online safety course training is just another example of the Department's proactive approach. Permitting on-line license renewals is also a very welcome addition,” said George Poulon, President, Queens & Bronx Building Association.

“Our members provide essential plumbing services that protect the health and safety of New York City residents,” said Rick Benelli, Master Plumbers Council President. “The DOB’s aggressive technology efforts, which began before Covid-19, jumped into high gear as this crisis grew. The MPC identified numerous concerns and the Agency responded with timely solutions including an online license renewal process. Online continuing education classes are a key component, allowing plumbers to participate without the issue of in-person crowding. We applaud Commissioner La Rocca’s leadership, ability to promptly modify procedures and consistent communication with our industry and the public during this crisis.”

“DOB's expansion to allow for further online approved third-party required training for license renewal and certifications is commendable. This expansion gives contractors and construction professionals the ability to comply with the building code's safety standards and requirements without the need to be in a classroom with 150 people. I have been a part of organizations that have been providing license renewals for NYC plumbers and fire suppression contractors for over 18 years. I applaud the ability of DOB to pivot into the digital age at the same time ensuring the highest level of accountability and public safety,” said Terence O'Brien, Plumbing Foundation City of New York Senior Director.

“New York Electrical Contractors Association (NYECA) fully supports the NYC Department of Buildings Commissioner Melanie La Rocca’s progressive initiative to support the training, and education of construction and demolition workers through a comprehensive online safety program,” said Edwin Lopez, NYECA Executive Secretary. “The ways in which we adapt to changing job sites and relicensing requirements through more accessible and efficient online training aligns with Commissioner La Rocca’s effective management of NYC DOB requirements and best practices through this pandemic and moving forward,” added Peter Rescigno, NYECA Director of Operations and Assistant Executive Secretary, who also oversees NYECA’s professional development program.

“As site safety professionals, we promote safety on job sites and provide workers with the training they need to protect themselves and the public,” said Jim Bifulco, President of the Construction Safety Advisory Committee of New York. “Expanding the availability of live online training courses and allowing licenses to be renewed online will keep our industry moving forward and prevent the spread of COVID19. We commend Commissioner La Rocca and the whole DOB team for their continued efforts to implement new ways of doing business. We will continue to work with the DOB to provide guidance on best practices.”

“The NYC Special Riggers Association applauds DOB Commissioner La Rocca for implementing new online licensure and training procedures,” said Veronika Sikorski, President of the NYCSRA. “As the façade restoration industry and all construction professionals gear up for a full re-opening, these reforms create efficiencies that help get us back to work while preventing the spread of the coronavirus. We thank the DOB for their continued partnership and for all they are doing to keep workers and pedestrians safe throughout New York City.”

“The Department's quick and smooth transition to online platforms for license renewals and continuing education provides a vital, forward looking opportunity for course providers, license holders and the construction industry to virtually engage with the Department and each other in a safe, efficient manner while charting a course for future exchanges,” said Anthony Saporito, New York Fire Sprinkler Council Executive Vice President.