New York governor signs Retail Worker Safety Act into law

Albany, NY — Retail workers in New York now have more protections against workplace violence and harassment, under a new state law.

The Retail Worker Safety Act (S. 8358B/A. 8947C), signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Sept. 4, amends current labor law to require retail employers with 10 or more employees to adopt a workplace violence prevention policy. The policy must identify factors that put workers at risk of violence and outline violence prevention methods. 

In addition, retail employers must:

• Train employees annually on de-escalation tactics, active shooter drills, emergency procedures, use of panic buttons and more.
• Install panic buttons at easily accessible locations throughout the store or provide workers with wearable/cellphone-based panic buttons. (This provision applies to employers with 500 or more employees statewide.)

The law directs the New York State Department of Labor to develop workplace violence prevention policy templates and trainings to facilitate employer compliance.

The legislation – sponsored by Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) and Assemblymember Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) – was backed by the New York City-based Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

“The preventative measures this law provides will help stop violence and harassment before it starts,” RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said in a press release, “but even more importantly, will more safely assist workers in getting help quickly in the event of an emergency. The provisions in this bill can help to save lives.”

The law is expected to go into effect Jan. 31.