On September 4, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the New York Retail Worker Safety Act into law, a groundbreaking measure designed to safeguard retail employees from workplace violence. This comprehensive act, which takes effect on March 1, 2025, imposes new requirements on retail employers, with the goal of enhancing employee safety across the state. If you’re a retail employer in New York with 10 or more employees, it’s time to get familiar with the details of this law—and what it means for your business.

What Is the New York Retail Worker Safety Act?

The New York Retail Worker Safety Act aims to prevent workplace violence in retail settings. Retail employers with at least 10 employees are now required to take proactive steps to identify and mitigate the risk of violence in their workplaces. The law mandates the creation of workplace violence prevention programs, annual employee training, and for some businesses, the provision of panic buttons or mobile-based alternatives by 2027.

Let’s break down the key provisions and what they mean for your business.

Workplace Violence Hazard Assessments and Written Policies

One of the core elements of the Retail Worker Safety Act is the requirement for retail employers to assess potential workplace violence hazards. By March 1, 2025, all retail employers must implement written workplace violence prevention policies tailored to their unique environments.

These policies should address common retail workplace risks—such as customer altercations, theft-related violence, or harassment—and outline specific strategies for preventing such incidents. The policies must also include measures for mitigating risks, such as emergency procedures, enhanced security features, and safety protocols that employees should follow in potentially violent situations.

Practical Tip: Start by reviewing your current safety policies. Are there any gaps when it comes to violence prevention? Conducting a thorough workplace assessment now can help you identify areas for improvement well before the deadline.

Annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training

Another major component of the act is the requirement to provide interactive workplace violence prevention training. Employers will need to offer this training to every new employee at the time of hire and ensure that all employees receive updated training at least once a year.

The training must cover “measures that retail employees can use to protect themselves when faced with workplace violence,” such as de-escalation techniques, active shooter drills, and instructions on how to use emergency devices like alarms and panic buttons. Employees will also learn about practical measures they can take to protect themselves during violent situations.

Practical Tip: Consider partnering with a training provider that specializes in workplace safety or violence prevention. Customized, interactive training can help engage employees more effectively.

Panic Buttons: A Key Safety Measure

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing part of the law is the requirement for retail employers with 500 or more employees nationwide to provide access to panic buttons in their New York workplaces by January 1, 2027. These devices are designed to allow employees to call for immediate help if a violent situation arises.

The law gives employers flexibility in how they implement panic buttons: they can be installed as physical devices in accessible locations throughout the workplace, or they can be provided through mobile phone-based technology. When pressed, the panic button will notify local emergency responders, providing the employee’s location and dispatching help to the scene.

This technology can be a lifesaver, but it’s also a controversial provision, with some employers concerned about the cost and potential misuse of the devices. However, the law explicitly prohibits tracking employee locations through mobile or wearable panic buttons except when the button is activated.

Practical Tip: Start researching panic button solutions now, whether physical or mobile-based. Compare costs and functionality to find the best fit for your business. Implementing the right system well before the 2027 deadline will give your employees peace of mind.

Next Steps: Preparing for Compliance

Although the March 2025 deadline might seem far off, retail employers should start preparing now. The 180-day window will pass quickly, and implementing these comprehensive safety measures takes time. Retailers should begin by assessing their workplaces to identify potential hazards and determining how best to integrate workplace violence prevention into their operations.

Additionally, businesses with 500 or more employees nationwide should begin exploring panic button solutions and factoring the cost of these devices into their future safety budgets. Getting ahead of this requirement will ensure a smooth transition when the law comes into full effect.

Practical Tip: Create a timeline for rolling out your workplace violence prevention plan. Start with an assessment, then work toward developing written policies, setting up training programs, and researching panic button options.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Retail Worker Safety

The New York Retail Worker Safety Act is a major step forward in protecting retail employees from workplace violence. While some provisions may seem challenging, the law ultimately empowers both businesses and employees by creating safer, more secure working environments.

More information is coming. The New York Department of Labor will release a template for a model retail workplace violence prevention policy, along with a model training program. Compliance guidance is anticipated as well. The policy template and additional details will be made publicly accessible on the Department’s website.