The Retail Worker Safety Act was signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on September 5, 2024. This legislation aims to enhance workplace safety for retail employees by requiring large retailers to adopt specific safety measures:
1. Workplace Violence Prevention Policies: Retailers with at least 10 employees in New York must implement written policies addressing workplace violence risks, methods of prevention, and emergency procedures. These policies must be distributed to employees at hire and annually thereafter. This requirement goes into effect on March 1, 2025.
2. Employee Training: Covered employers must provide annual training on violence prevention strategies, including de-escalation techniques, active shooter drills, and emergency procedures. The training must also cover the use of panic buttons and other security devices.
3. Panic Button Installation: By January 1, 2027, businesses with 500 or more employees nationwide must provide employees in New York with access to panic buttons. These devices can be physical buttons, wearables, or mobile-based alarms that immediately contact 911 and share the employee’s location with law enforcement.
This law responds to increasing violence faced by retail workers, particularly since the pandemic. It aims to protect employees in retail environments while holding employers accountable for proactive safety measures .
