NEW YORK, NY – A new workplace safety law is set to transform how retail businesses in New York protect their employees. Beginning June 2, 2025, the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) will impose some of the most comprehensive workplace violence prevention requirements in the country, affecting a wide range of retail establishments.
Who Is Affected?
The law applies to any retail employer in New York with 10 or more employees. The definition of “retail” is broad, covering businesses that sell goods directly to consumers—ranging from clothing stores and supermarkets to auto dealerships and large retailers.
Key Provisions of the Law
The RWSA mandates several new requirements designed to reduce workplace violence risks and protect retail workers:
- Workplace Violence Prevention Policy:
All covered employers must create a written policy identifying specific risks of workplace violence, outlining procedures to prevent and respond to incidents, and clearly explaining how employees can report threats. The policy must be distributed to all employees upon hiring and during training sessions. - Mandatory Employee Training:
Retail businesses must now provide comprehensive training on workplace violence prevention, including de-escalation tactics, active shooter response, and emergency protocols. The training schedule varies by employer size:- Businesses with 50 or more employees must provide training annually.
- Those with fewer than 50 employees must provide training every two years.
- Silent Panic Buttons:
By January 1, 2027, large retailers with 500 or more employees statewide must install silent response buttons that allow employees to discreetly call for help during emergencies. These devices can be physical, wearable, or integrated into the store’s existing systems.
Why It Matters
Advocates say the law represents a major cultural shift in how retail businesses view workplace safety, moving beyond “check-the-box” compliance to proactive risk management. The law was introduced following rising concerns over retail violence, theft, and active shooter incidents in stores.
Failure to comply with the RWSA could lead to enforcement actions from state authorities, in addition to exposing employees to unnecessary risks.
Implementation Support
The New York State Department of Labor is expected to provide model policies and training resources to assist businesses. Private compliance firms have also begun offering tools and platforms to help businesses navigate the new requirements. These include customizable workplace safety templates, training modules, and digital tools for tracking employee acknowledgments and incident reports.
