An Overview of New York State’s Panic Button System Law for Retailers
New York State has introduced new requirements under the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA), designed to protect retail employees from workplace violence. Here’s a summary of key provisions and compliance deadlines:
Effective Dates
• The law’s broader provisions take effect on March 4, 2025.• The specific requirement to install panic buttons or provide alternatives will become effective on January 1, 2027.
Who Is Covered?
• Retailers with 500 or more employees nationwide must comply with the panic button provisions.• Covered employers include businesses selling consumer goods at retail, excluding establishments primarily serving food for on-site consumption, such as restaurants and bars.
Panic Button Requirements
• Physical Panic Buttons: These must immediately connect to 911, provide the location of the employee, and prompt law enforcement dispatch. Buttons should be installed in accessible workplace locations.• Wearable or Mobile-Based Panic Buttons: Alternatively, employers can provide wearable devices or mobile phone applications that serve the same purpose. However, these can only be installed on employer-provided devices and cannot be used to track employees unless activated during an emergency.
Workplace Violence Prevention Policies
Employers must develop and maintain a written workplace violence prevention policy. This policy must:1. Identify workplace violence risk factors, such as late-night shifts, handling cash, and working alone.
2. Detail methods for preventing violence, including reporting systems and security measures.
3. Include information on federal and state protections for retail workers.
4. Prohibit retaliation against employees reporting workplace violence concerns.
Employers must provide the policy in writing at the time of hiring and annually thereafter.
Employee TrainingInteractive training on workplace violence prevention is required for all employees upon hire and annually. This training must cover:
• De-escalation tactics and self-protection measures.
• Emergency procedures, including active shooter drills.
• Usage of security devices like alarms and panic buttons.
• Location-specific emergency exits and meeting points.
Employers can use the New York Department of Labor’s (NYDOL) upcoming model training program or create their own that meets state standards.
Compliance Steps for Employers
1. Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential violence triggers in the workplace.2. Develop a compliant workplace violence prevention policy and training program.
3. Begin budgeting and planning for the installation or distribution of panic buttons by 2027.
These measures reflect increasing concern for retail workers’ safety, particularly following incidents of workplace violence and active shooter situations in recent years .
Retailers should act promptly to align with these requirements and monitor guidance updates from the NYDOL.
Contact the BEC Integrated Solutions team today to explore how these panic button systems can be tailored to meet your retail security needs.
