In response to the rising incidents of workplace violence, the State of New York has enacted the Retail Worker Safety Act (A8947C). This legislation is designed to protect retail workers by requiring employers to take proactive steps in creating safer work environments. Retailers with 10 or more employees must comply with the law’s provisions, which include establishing a workplace violence prevention policy, employee training, and in some cases, the implementation of panic buttons.
Key Provisions of the Retail Worker Safety Act
1. Written Prevention Policy
Retail employers are required to adopt a written workplace violence prevention policy. This policy must either be based on state guidelines or the model provided by the relevant state agency. The policy should address specific concerns, including: how to reduce incidents of violence for retail employees working early or late hours, exchanging money with the public, working alone or in small numbers, and for uncontrolled access into the workplace.
The prevention policy is a critical tool in mitigating workplace violence by identifying and addressing risks that retail employees face on a daily basis.
Compliance Deadline: Employers must have their prevention policy in place within 180 days of the Act’s enactment — March 3, 2025.
2. Annual Employee Training
To further safeguard workers, the Act mandates that employers provide comprehensive training on workplace violence prevention. This training will cover critical areas such as:
- De-escalation tactics for managing potentially violent situations.
- Active shooter drills to prepare employees for the worst-case scenario.
- Emergency procedures to ensure a coordinated response to any workplace incident.
- Use of panic buttons for immediate assistance in emergencies.
Initial Training Deadline: Training must be provided upon hire and then annually to ensure employees are continually equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and others in the workplace.
3. Panic Buttons for Larger Employers
Retail employers with 500 or more employees nationwide must take an additional safety measure by installing panic buttons in their stores. Panic buttons provide an immediate way for workers to call for help during a violent incident or other emergency. This provision is aimed at ensuring quick responses to threats and creating a safer working environment for employees across larger retail locations.
Panic Button Implementation Deadline: Employers must implement panic buttons by January 1, 2027.
Conclusion
These comprehensive measures are designed to address the growing concern of workplace violence in retail settings. Retail employers should begin preparing now to ensure compliance with these important safety regulations and protect their workers from the increasing threat of workplace violence.