Health and Safety Guidelines
Please note, when you sign your contract for Greenbuild 2026, you agree to follow the below Health & Safety guidelines.
Exhibitors, their on-site staff, and suppliers/contractors shall comply with all show terms, rules, and regulations, as well as all pertinent and applicable laws, codes, and regulations, including federal, state, municipal, and local laws, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which may affect the show space.
It is the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor to ensure that all their on-site staff and suppliers/contractors are informed of and comply with these terms at all times while on the show property. The Exhibitor agrees to be liable for the actions of its on-site staff and suppliers/contractors.
These terms and regulations will be enforced by both Show Management and OSHA. Exhibitor’s failure to comply with such laws, terms, rules, and regulations shall entitle Show Management to terminate its obligations under this contract and remove, shut down, or darken the Exhibitor’s space. Show Management’s decision on all such matters shall be final.
I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have read, understand, and will comply with the Show Management “Health & Safety Requirements for all Exhibitors” document below. I recognize that as an Exhibitor and Employer in the State of New York, I am required to be educated on OSHA standards and ensure that my company employees and any contractor/supplier work in compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation at all times while on-site. I concede that failure to do so may result in work stoppages or OSHA fines, and that all penalties incurred will be at the expense of myself or the company I represent in signing this document.
I also acknowledge that it is my sole responsibility to ensure that all on-site move-in/move-out staff employed by my company and suppliers/contractors are informed and compliant with both the Health & Safety procedures of the Show Management and OSHA standards and applicable regulations stipulated by the State of New York. In the event of a charge, prosecution, or any other legal proceeding arising out of or related to OSHA standards, as an Exhibitor of Show Management, I agree to be liable for the actions of my staff and suppliers/contractors.
HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXHIBITORS
Show Management would like to ensure the move-in and move-out of the show runs as smoothly as possible for everyone involved. The health and safety of everyone on the show floor is of utmost importance. These health and safety requirements are not only best practices but are also requirements of OSHA standards. Everyone on the show floor must work together and be responsible for ensuring a healthy and safe working environment.
All Exhibitors are required to ensure the health and safety of everyone, including their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors retained to provide services on their behalf on the show floor.
In order to ensure that everyone understands the importance of these requirements, all Exhibitors are required to review the “Exhibitor Health and Safety Document” prior to move-in.
Show Management will be monitoring the show floor to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Should you or your employees observe any hazard or unsafe work practice on the show floor, we request that you notify Show Management immediately.
GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
All Exhibitors must:
- Ensure their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors comply with all required safe work practices as required by OSHA standards and outlined in this document.
- Ensure that any of their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors appointed as supervisors have been adequately trained in local health and safety legislation and have a good understanding of the industry hazards and controls as they relate to their responsibilities.
- Ensure that their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors have been properly trained/certified to carry out all their job tasks safely as required.
- Ensure that any of their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors operating any equipment on the show floor have been properly trained and certified to operate the equipment as required.
- Ensure that all on-site employees and suppliers/contractors whose activities require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are properly equipped.
- Monitor and enforce the required health and safety practices for their on-site employees and suppliers/contractors during move-in and move-out.
- Ensure that all Exhibitor-owned/rented equipment, tools, and machinery are/have been maintained in safe operating condition in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Ensure during any overhead work that safe work practices are being complied with.
- Provide copies of any accident or incident reports to Show Management as applicable.
- Comply with all safety rules while working in or accessing any common areas.
- Work together with the Facility, Show Management, and Contractors to ensure dock/traffic safety requirements are maintained.
- Implement the required hazard controls as assigned by Show Management.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
The Javits Center has 24-hour first aid on-site, with trained personnel as the first responders to on-site medical emergencies.
For medical assistance, dial 212-216-2345 from a cell phone or use any house phone to contact security. Provide as much information as possible, including your location, the age of the person requiring assistance, and remain calm. The nearest hospital is only minutes away, and the Javits Center will call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately if required.
The facility is equipped with defibrillators, and first aid personnel are fully trained to use them.
All accidents must be reported to Show Management immediately. The Show Office will be located on-site.
If the accident results in a serious injury or fatality, OSHA must be contacted at 1-800-321-6742 as soon as the situation is under control. In addition to a phone call, a preliminary report must be filed with OSHA within 24 hours.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Upon your arrival, familiarize yourself with the building, particularly the location of the nearest exit, manual pull station, and fire extinguisher.
If you see a fire or smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm manual pull station and leave the fire area, closing all doors behind you.
The Javits Center has advanced fire detection and alarm systems that notify the Javits Command Center of any incidents. The Javits Center Public Safety department coordinates emergency instructions and works with first responders like the NYPD and FDNY.
In an emergency please contact the nearest security guard for help or dial Javits Command Center Security on 212-216-2196.
Emergency Announcements
- In case of a full or partial evacuation, alarms will sound, lights will flash, and announcements will be made over the public address system. Follow all instructions provided.
- If no announcement is heard, take personal belongings and evacuate safely via the nearest exit.
Emergency Exits
- Exits are clearly marked with illuminated signs powered by the emergency system, ensuring visibility even during power outages.
Evacuation Safety
- Follow instructions from the public address system or safety personnel.
- Security will guide everyone to the nearest safe exit.
- Stay calm and proceed in an orderly manner. Move quickly but safely to the designated Muster Point.
- Use the nearest exit; avoid elevators and escalators.
- Assist elderly and disabled individuals.
- The venue will be searched to ensure complete evacuation
- Once outside, move away from the building and do not re-enter until an "all clear" is given.
Muster Point
- The designated muster point is the “Vessel” at Hudson Yards, located south of 33rd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. Assemble there for accounting and further instructions.
Once the Javits Center advises it is safe to re-enter, the following re-entry procedure will occur:
- Javits Center security and staff will return to their posts.
- Show Management staff and volunteers will return to their duties.
- Exhibitors will return to their booths.
- The public will be permitted to re-enter the facility (if it is a show day).
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
- All Exhibitor’s on-site employees or suppliers/contractors must comply with all OSHA/ANSI construction regulation requirements.
- Where an Exhibitor’s on-site employees or suppliers/contractors may be involved in both construction and non-construction activities concurrently in the same area and they cannot be physically separated by time or barrier or distance, then the Construction Regulations will apply to all the work being done in that area.
- The barrier must be maintained by the Exhibitors on-site employees or suppliers/contractors at all times during the period of activity deemed as construction.
- Only authorized personnel assigned to work within the construction area will be allowed to enter the area, and the Exhibitor’s on-site employees or suppliers/contractors must monitor that no other personnel enter the area unless authorized to do so for the purposes of conducting work within the area.
- All Exhibitor’s on-site employees or suppliers/contractors working within a construction area must wear ANSI-approved hardhats and safety shoes at all times.
- All the rules that apply to construction areas will be strictly enforced by Show Management.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR MANDATORY DURING MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT
Due to significant vehicular and equipment traffic, all move-in/move-out Exhibitor on-site employees and/or suppliers/contractors are recommended to wear safety shoes when on-site during move-in and move-out.
- Open-toed shoes, sandals, crocs, ballerina flats, and high heels are prohibited.
- Those wearing inappropriate footwear will not be granted access to the show floor during move-in or move-out.
FREIGHT FREE AISLES AND EXITS
- Freight-free aisles will be regularly monitored by Show Management, and all items found in these aisles (such as vehicles, crates, carpet, boxes, etc.) will be required to be moved immediately.
- Emergency exits must remain clear at all times.
- Exhibitor’s on-site employees and/or suppliers/contractors must ensure that emergency exits are not obstructed as per local fire code requirements.
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
- Vehicles allowed on the show floor will be restricted by Show Management.
- Ensure all equipment on the show floor is in safe operating condition (e.g., headlights working and on, backup beepers working).
- Vehicles such as forklifts and lifts must have a trained spotter guide them to ensure pedestrian safety.
- All vehicle operators must be trained and certified as required.
WORKING AT HEIGHTS
- Proper extension devices (e.g., ladders) must be used.
- Ladders must be maintained in safe working order and placed on a firm, non-slip ground surface.
- Fall protection equipment (e.g., lanyard and safety harness) must be worn when working at heights over 3 meters.
- All Exhibitor’s on-site employees and/or suppliers/contractors working at heights must be trained and understand the proper use of fall protection equipment.
OVERHEAD WORK
- Minimize the number of staff required in an area where overhead work is taking place.
- Ensure all staff working in an area where overhead work exists are properly equipped with ANSI-approved hardhats and safety glasses (when necessary).
- Overhead work areas must be cordoned off with barriers (e.g., cones and caution tape).
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
- Keep work areas/booth spaces in reasonable order, and store materials not in use appropriately.
- Place waste in appropriate waste containers.
- Notify Show Management of any unsafe practices or conditions noticed that could pose a potential hazard.
OPERATION OF TOOLS
- Ensure all on-site employees and/or suppliers/contractors operating tools are trained, competent, and knowledgeable on the proper and safe operation of tools.
- All power tools must be in safe working condition with the appropriate safety mechanisms and guards.
CHEMICAL USE AND EXPOSURE
- Exhibitors must inform Show Management of any chemicals to be used or introduced to the show floor during move-in and move-out.
- Provide copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to Show Management for any chemicals to be used on the show floor.
ELECTRICAL WORK
- Ensure that only OSHA-approved electrical equipment is used.
- Electrical equipment must be in good working order.
- Certified electricians must perform all electrical work.
FREIGHT STORAGE AND STACKING
- Ensure on-site employees and/or suppliers/contractors assigned to the stacking of freights have been trained on safe stacking practices.
- Comply with all Facility restrictions related to the storage and stacking of freights.
SMOKING
- All public areas and rental spaces, including corridors, registration areas, meeting rooms, and exhibit halls, are designated non-smoking areas.
SHOW FLOOR HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES
Show Floor Health & Safety Rules
- Report Unsafe Conditions and incidents or accidents: Notify Show Management and security immediately of any unsafe practices or conditions that may pose a health or safety hazard.
- Age Restriction: No persons under 18 years of age are allowed on the show floor during move-in or move-out.
- Safety Gear:
- All personnel must wear ANSI approved safety footwear during move-in/move-out.
- Fall Protection: Use saftey approved tether and safety harness for work at heights over 6 feet, along with safety hardhats.
- Overhead Work:
- Wear ANSI-approved hardhats (and safety glasses if necessary).
- Cordoned-off areas are required for overhead work (minimum: cones and yellow caution tape).
- Use personal protective equipment as required by law (e.g., safety glasses, gloves, orange vests).
- Prohibited Actions:
- Do not stand on tables, chairs, or boxes.
- Ladders must not be used as working platforms for work over 3 meters.
- Smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use are strictly prohibited during move-in/move-out.
- No earbuds or headphones are permitted to be used while working in any area of the show floor, loading docks, back-of-house areas or roadways.
- Work Area Maintenance:
- Keep freight-free aisles and emergency exits clear at all times.
- Maintain clean and organized booth spaces. Dispose of garbage in designated waste containers.
- Compliance: Follow all instructions from Javits Center staff.
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and secure environment!

