Understanding Workplace Violence in NY

In New York, workplace violence has become a growing concern across industries. Recent data shows troubling increases in violent incidents, especially in jobs that deal with the public. The retail sector has been hit particularly hard, leading to new laws to protect workers.

What is Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the worksite. In New York, this covers a spectrum of behaviors from verbal threats to physical assaults, affecting workers across various sectors. The retail industry faces unique challenges, with workers particularly vulnerable to customer confrontations, theft-related violence, and other security threats.

Workplace Violence Statistics in New York

Recent data shows concerning trends in workplace violence across New York State. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, violent workplace incidents have increased significantly in recent years, with retail workers facing disproportionate risks.

A recent survey by the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) found that over 80% of retail workers fear active shooter scenarios, and nearly two-thirds have experienced verbal harassment or intimidation at work. Perhaps most concerning, fewer than 10% felt their employers made safety improvements after violent incidents occurred, highlighting the need for targeted protective measures.

The New York Retail Worker Safety Act

Responding to these challenges, particularly in the retail sector, New York has enacted the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA). Going into effect in March of 2025, this legislation represents a focused effort to protect retail workers, who face unique risks in their daily operations. The Act builds upon existing workplace violence prevention laws while addressing specific concerns in the retail environment.

Like all legislation, the Retail Worker Safety Act may be amended over time - particularly regarding requirements for small businesses. For the latest updates, check the official bill page or consult your legal counsel.

Who Does the Act Apply To?

The RSWA applies to any employer in New York state (including New York City) with at least 10 employees working at a retail store. The Act specifically covers stores selling consumer goods at retail, but excludes those primarily selling food for consumption on premises.

Key Requirements of the Act

• Workplace Violence Prevention Policy: Every retailer must develop a comprehensive plan that outlines how they'll prevent and respond to violence. This plan becomes the foundation for all other safety measures.
• Worker Training: Regular training sessions covering self-protection strategies, de-escalation techniques, active shooter protocols, emergency procedures, security device operation, and site-specific emergency exits and meeting points.
• Security Equipment: Employers with 500+ employees statewide must provide silent response buttons that directly connect to local 911 dispatch centers. Employers can choose between installing stationary silent response buttons throughout the workplace or providing employees with wearable or mobile phone-based panic buttons (on employer-provided devices). These silent response buttons cannot be used to track employee locations except when actively pressed.

Broader Impact on Workplace Safety

The Retail Worker Safety Act represents part of New York's broader effort to address workplace violence across all sectors. While focused on retail workers, its principles and requirements offer valuable guidance for other industries facing similar security challenges. The Act's emphasis on prevention and training sets standards that can benefit various workplace environments.

The implementation of the RSWA marks a significant shift in how New York approaches worker protection, particularly in high-risk retail environments. As organizations adapt to these requirements, the industry is likely to see the development of new security technologies, training methods, and best practices. This evolution will contribute to safer workplaces not only in retail but across various sectors where workers face similar risks.

How EasyLlama Can Help

For retailers navigating RWSA compliance before the June 2, 2025 deadline, we've developed a Custom Course Builder that lets you create tailored Workplace Violence Prevention training for your organization.

Our platform helps you:

• Build comprehensive training that meets all RWSA requirements while addressing your organization’s specific risks
• Deliver engaging content on de-escalation tactics, emergency procedures, and violence prevention
• Track completion records for easy compliance reporting
• Provide training in your workers' primary languages
• Maintain detailed documentation of all safety programs

Don't wait until the last minute - protect your retail team before the June deadline.