NY Retail Worker Safety Act: New Requirements for 2025

Workplace violence in New York's retail sector has reached concerning levels, prompting new legislative action to protect workers.

According to a recent RWDSU survey, over 80% of retail workers worry about an active shooter entering their workplace, and nearly two-thirds have experienced verbal harassment or intimidating conduct from customers, coworkers, or managers within the past year. Perhaps most troubling, only 7% of workers believe their employers have implemented safety improvements following violent incidents.

Recent incidents, from verbal harassment to physical assaults, have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures. The retail industry faces unique challenges: late operating hours, cash handling, and frequent customer interactions all contribute to increased safety risks. In response, New York has enacted the Retail Worker Safety Act, shifting from recommended guidelines to mandatory safety protocol.

What is The Retail Worker Safety Act?

The Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) (S8358B/A8947C), signed into law September 4, 2024, requires New York retailers with 10+ employees to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention measures.

The law addresses rising retail crime through three main requirements:

• written safety policies
• mandatory training programs, and
• by January 2027, silent response buttons for larger retailers (500+ employees statewide)

Who Needs to Comply?

The RWSA applies to:

• New York retail employers with 10+ employees
• Stores selling consumer commodities at retail
• All retail sectors except food service establishments

The law specifically excludes state entities, political subdivisions, public authorities, and governmental agencies.

Key Requirements and Deadlines

What are you, as a retail employer, required to do under the RWSA, and what are the deadlines?

Adopt a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy

Effective June 2, 2025

The law mandates a comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy (WVPP). Employers must address high-risk situations such as late shifts and cash handling, outline prevention strategies, and establish reporting systems. While the NY Department of Labor will provide a model policy, employers may develop their own compliant version. Written notice of the policy must be provided to employees in English and in each employee's primary language.

Provide an Interactive Training Program

Effective June 2, 2025

Training must cover de-escalation techniques, active shooter response, emergency procedures, and security system operation. Employers must provide site-specific safety measures and evacuation protocols. Written notice covering the information included in the training must be made available to employees in English and in each employee's primary language.

Silent Response Button Installation

Effective January 1, 2027

Retailers with 500 or more employees statewide must provide emergency alert systems. They can choose between installing stationary panic buttons throughout facilities or providing wearable devices on employer-owned equipment. These systems must connect directly to emergency services, with location tracking permitted only during active emergencies.

Implementation and Reporting

Employers must provide written notice to employees upon hire about their workplace violence prevention program in both English and the employee’s primary language. After hire, the notice must be provided annually. Employers with 50+ employees must also provide interactive training to employees upon hire and annually thereafter; employers with between 10 and 50 employees must train upon hire and every two years thereafter.

While the act focuses on training implementation, many workplace safety experts recommend maintaining comprehensive documentation of all training activities and updating procedures based on incident patterns - a practice that can help employers track effectiveness and continuously improve their safety protocols.

Ensuring Workplace Safety with EasyLlama

With the June 2, 2025, 2025 deadline fast approaching, retail businesses must act now to achieve compliance.

EasyLlama's Custom Course Builder enables you to create tailored Workplace Violence Prevention training that meets all legislative requirements while addressing your organization's specific needs.

Create comprehensive, compliant training modules covering de-escalation tactics, emergency procedures, and violence prevention—all while maintaining detailed completion records for regulatory compliance. Our platform ensures your retail employees receive the required training in their primary language, keeping your workforce safe and your business compliant in time for the June deadline.