What Business Owners Need to Know

In September 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act into law. The new legislation, comprised of S. 8358C and A. 8947C, introduces measures aimed at reducing violence in retail settings and safeguarding workers. As business owners prepare for these changes, here’s a guide on what the new law entails and the steps needed to ensure compliance.

Key Provisions of the Retail Worker Safety Act

The Retail Worker Safety Act establishes several requirements for retail employers across the state:

1. Workplace Violence Prevention Training
• The law mandates retail employers to provide workplace violence prevention training to their employees. The training must be based on a model program created by New York State's Department of Labor, which aims to educate workers on recognizing and mitigating risks associated with workplace violence.
• Employers with at least 10 employees are subject to these training requirements.
• Businesses have a 180-day window to comply with this training mandate from the date the bill was signed into law.
2. Access to Panic Buttons and Silent Alarms
• Retail employers with 500 or more employees are required to offer access to silent alarms for emergency assistance. These alarms can be used discreetly to alert authorities or security during a violent incident, allowing for a prompt response.
• The deadline for compliance with the panic button requirement is January 1, 2027.

Impact on Retail Business Owners

For retail business owners, this new law introduces additional safety responsibilities and requires a proactive approach to compliance. Here are some critical steps for business owners to take:

• Review and Update Safety Protocols: Businesses should review their current safety measures and workplace violence prevention plans to ensure they align with the new law. This may involve revising existing training materials or developing new policies.
• Implement Training Programs: Begin preparations to roll out a workplace violence prevention training program that meets the state’s requirements. Employers should also consider engaging experts to deliver specialized training to enhance effectiveness.
• Evaluate Alarm Systems: Retailers with 500 or more employees should start assessing their security systems to ensure they can implement silent alarms by the 2027 deadline. Early planning will be crucial for seamless compliance.

Benefits of Compliance

While the new requirements may present an initial challenge for some businesses, compliance with the Retail Worker Safety Act offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Employee Safety: Providing employees with training and access to emergency assistance tools helps reduce the risk of workplace violence and protects staff members from harm.
• Reduced Liability: Compliance with safety regulations helps minimize legal risks and demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare, which can positively impact a business's reputation.
• Proactive Risk Management: Investing in workplace safety measures can lead to lower insurance premiums and potentially reduce the number of workers' compensation claims related to workplace violence.

The Retail Worker Safety Act underscores the growing recognition of workplace violence as a critical safety issue, particularly in the retail industry. By implementing the mandated training and safety measures, retail businesses can help create a safer working environment and demonstrate their commitment to protecting employees.

Need assistance understanding the new workplace safety requirements? Connect with our safety specialist Ray Sullivan at raymonds@friedlandergroup.com