New York State Makes Progress on Retail Workplace Safety

The Retail Worker Safety Act was recently signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. This represents a significant step forward in codifying the responsibilities of employers to better protect retail employees from violence in the workplace. The law recognizes several factors, already well known to many retail employees, which can put them at risk as they carry out their duties.

Risk factors identified in the law include:

• Working late night or early morning hours

• Exchanging money with the public

• Working alone or in small numbers

• Working in areas with uncontrolled access by the public

The new law requires the development of a "model" workplace violence prevention program to be followed by retail employers and which addresses training of employees in the critical security aspects of the workplace. Examples include the location of all emergency exits, safe meeting locations, and the provision of "panic buttons," which may be fixed in place (such as under a counter). or carried by an employee (such as a smart phone app). The "panic button" will provide a direct connection to 911 emergency services.

Employees will also be trained in emergency procedures, de-escalation techniques, and other measures which may include active shooter drills.

Retail employers must comply by creating and communicating to employees a plan specific to their operations which meets or exceeds the provisions laid out in the "model" plan.

Protections for workers reporting non-compliance are included, though restaurant workers are not covered by the law.

The new law is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2027.

For more details, visit the New York State Senate and Assembly websites:

Senate Bill

Assembly Bill

Have you been a victim of workplace violence, or been mistreated or discriminated against by an employer? Contact us now to learn about your rights!