New York Assembly Passes Retail Worker Safety Act to Enhance Protections

On June 3, 2024, the New York State Assembly approved a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at enhancing safety measures for retail workers across the state. The bill, known as the Retail Worker Safety Act (Assembly Bill A8947), mandates that retail employers with 500 or more employees nationwide implement several key safety protocols, including providing employees with access to panic buttons to summon local law enforcement in emergencies.
Key aspects of the legislation include the requirement for retail employers to develop written workplace violence prevention programs and to conduct training for employees on how to handle potential violence on the job. These measures are designed to address and mitigate the risks of workplace violence, which has become an increasing concern in the retail sector.
The bill underwent a rigorous legislative process, including three amendments, before being passed by the Assembly. It is now headed to the New York State Senate for further consideration. Should it pass there as well, it will be forwarded to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature. Governor Hochul will have a ten-day window to sign the bill into law or veto it. If no action is taken within this period, the bill will automatically become law.
The Retail Worker Safety Act is set to take effect 180 days after becoming law, with the exception of the panic button requirement, which is slated for implementation by January 1, 2027. This legislation positions New York as a leader in the fight against workplace violence in the retail industry, following in the footsteps of California, the first state to enact a dedicated workplace violence prevention law.
The Retail Worker Safety Act represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of retail employees in New York, setting a precedent that could influence similar legislative efforts across the United States.