New York has recently enacted the Retail Worker Safety Act into law, amending New York labor law to strengthen workplace violence prevention for retail employees. This law applies to retail employers with at least 10 employees and introduces significant requirements, including the following:
- Employers must adopt a state model or develop their own plan that outlines potential risks to retail workers, including late shifts, handling money, or working in isolation. The plan must detail measures to prevent violence and ensure protections against retaliation for reporting risks.
- Retail employers must provide annual interactive training that includes de-escalation tactics, emergency procedures, and the use of security devices like panic buttons.
- By January 1, 2027, employers with 500+ retail employees nationwide are required to install panic buttons for immediate law enforcement contact during emergencies. These buttons can be physical or wearable/mobile and must meet safety requirements.
- Employers must provide employees with their workplace violence prevention plan, a list of emergency exits, and other critical information both at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
This law ensures a safer working environment for retail workers by addressing workplace violence and requiring preventative measures and resources. It takes full effect on March 4, 2025.
