The New York Retail Worker Safety Act: What Retail Employers Need to Know and How to Stay Ahead

In response to rising concerns over violence in retail settings, New York recently passed the Retail Worker Safety Act, designed to protect retail employees and shoppers. This new law requires retail employers to implement measures that reduce workplace violence and ensure a safer work environment. If you operate a retail store in New York, it's crucial to understand what’s required and how to achieve compliance effectively.

What Is the New York Retail Worker Safety Act?

Signed into law on September 4, 2024, the New York Retail Worker Safety Act aims to enhance safety in retail environments in response to increasing threats such as gun violence and other forms of workplace violence. Retailers with ten or more employees must comply with the new regulations within 180 days, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to protect their workforce.

Here are the key components of the law that every retail employer should know:

1. Establishing a Workplace Violence Policy

The law requires retail businesses to develop and distribute a workplace violence policy that outlines specific factors contributing to employee risk. These include late-night shifts, cash transactions, and situations where employees work alone. To help businesses comply, the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) is tasked with creating a model policy that retailers can adapt. Importantly, this policy must also ensure that employees feel safe to report incidents without fear of retaliation.

2. Mandatory Training on Violence Prevention

Retailers with ten or more employees must also provide workplace violence prevention training upon hire and annually thereafter. This training will cover essential topics like de-escalation tactics, emergency procedures, and the use of security devices such as alarms and panic buttons. The training aims to ensure compliance and empower employees with the skills to respond confidently in potential crisis situations.

3. Panic Button Installation for Large Retailers

Larger retail chains employing 500 or more workers nationwide must install panic buttons in the workplace by 2027. These buttons, which can be wearable or mobile-based, provide an instant line to emergency services, allowing employees to summon help quickly during an emergency. This measure is a clear response to the need for swift action during threatening situations, emphasizing employee safety at all times.

How Our Situational Awareness Program Can Help You Comply

The Retail Worker Safety Act emphasizes prevention, training, and swift emergency response. My Situational Awareness program aligns perfectly with these requirements, providing:

Customizable Workplace Training: Our training solutions are adaptable to the specific needs of your store, ensuring your team understands how to de-escalate conflicts and respond to emergencies effectively. We also offer training on identifying early warning signs of violence—an essential skill in reducing incidents before they occur.

Empowered Workforce: We go beyond compliance by fostering a culture of proactive safety. Employees trained in Situational Awareness not only understand procedures but also feel empowered to take charge of their own safety and that of their colleagues.

Support for Compliance: With the NYDOL preparing model policies and training programs, we provide additional resources that help your business go the extra mile, ensuring full compliance while building a safer, more engaged team. Our program also includes assistance with implementing panic buttons and other safety protocols to provide immediate protection when needed.

Let's Take the Next Step in Building a Safer Workplace

Compliance is more than meeting the bare minimum—it's about creating a safe, supportive environment that benefits both your employees and customers. By focusing on proactive training and empowering your workforce, you can reduce the risk of workplace violence, increase employee satisfaction, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the future.

If you'd like to learn more about how our Situational Awareness program can help you comply with New York's new law and build a culture of safety in your retail locations, let's schedule a call today. Together, we can make your workplace not only compliant but safer for everyone involved.

Ready to discuss how we can make your retail space safer and compliant?

Book a Discovery Call now.