Albany, NY — Retail employees in New York now have extra protections in opposition to office violence and harassment, underneath a brand new state law.
The Retail Worker Safety Act (S. 8358B/A. 8947C), signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Sept. 4, amends present labor law to require retail employers with 10 or extra staff to undertake a office violence prevention coverage. The coverage should establish elements that put employees vulnerable to violence and description violence prevention strategies.
In addition, retail employers should:
- Train staff yearly on de-escalation techniques, lively shooter drills, emergency procedures, use of panic buttons and extra.
- Install panic buttons at simply accessible areas all through the shop or present employees with wearable/cellphone-based panic buttons. (This provision applies to employers with 500 or extra staff statewide.)
The law directs the New York State Department of Labor to develop office violence prevention coverage templates and trainings to facilitate employer compliance.
The laws – 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 stated in a press launch, “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 anticipated to go into impact Jan. 31.
