A Guide to the New York Retail Worker Safety Act

What is the Retail Worker Safety Act?

The Retail Worker Safety Act in New York is a law that requires retail employers to implement protections against workplace violence. It directs businesses to establish prevention programs, train employees on safety procedures, and set up systems for reporting incidents. The act aims to reduce risks, strengthen worker safety, and ensure employees are prepared to respond to threats effectively.

Importance

This Act is important because it sets legally enforceable standards that help ensure retail compliance with protections against workplace violence in the US. Without these requirements, any retail workers remain vulnerable to harassment and other forms of violence. This was supported with data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which records retail as one of the most unsafe industries for many to work in, especially the youth. Retail workers are more likely to experience or witness homicides and other acts of violence on the job, hence the need for specific legislation to ensure their safety. 

Compliance with the Act is equally important for organizations because it strengthens retail compliance efforts while reducing liability, financial risk, and reputational harm. Workplace violence can result in costly lawsuits, higher insurance premiums, and increased employee turnover if not properly addressed. By following the Retail Worker Safety Act’s requirements, organizations in the retail industry can better protect their workforce, improve morale, and maintain sustainable operations.

Who Must Comply and When

The Retail Worker Safety Act requires retail employers in New York State that meet specific criteria to comply with its rules. Specifically, businesses with 10 or more employees at a single retail location, along with retail chains operating multiple locations in the state, must follow the law. While all businesses should ensure worker safety, these employers who meet this requirement must take additional active steps to protect their workers from the risks of workplace violence.

Organizations must begin compliance as soon as they meet the employee or multi-location threshold as stated by the Retail Worker Safety Act. Employers must create workplace violence prevention programs, provide training, and set up reporting systems without delay. Acting quickly not only meets legal requirements but also shows a clear commitment to keeping employees safe.

Core Requirements for Compliance

New York Law requires businesses to comply with the Retail Worker Safety Act once they meet the employee or location threshold. Below are the core requirements for compliance that businesses must meet as per the Act’s guidelines: 

Written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Requirements 

Employers must create a written plan that outlines how they will identify and address workplace violence risks in their retail locations. The plan should clearly define responsibilities, reporting procedures, and steps for responding to incidents, both for teams and lone retail workers. By documenting these measures, organizations provide employees with a consistent reference point for safety expectations.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Steps

Businesses must actively assess their workplace for potential risks such as layout concerns, lighting, or staffing patterns that could increase exposure to violence. After identifying retail risks and hazards, they must implement strategies to reduce or eliminate them, like adding security measures or adjusting schedules. This ongoing process helps ensure that the workplace remains safer and responsive to changing conditions.

Employee Training, Communication, and Refresher Intervals

Employers must train workers on recognizing risks, reporting incidents, and following emergency procedures. Clear communication ensures employees understand their roles in maintaining a safe environment and know how to seek support. Regular refresher training and mobile-friendly learning resources reinforces knowledge, updates staff on new policies, and keeps safety practices top of mind.

Penalties and Enforcement

The New York State Department of Labor is responsible for ensuring employers meet requirements and hold them accountable for non-compliance. If a business fails to create a written workplace violence prevention plan, conduct risk assessments, or provide training, the Department can issue violations. Employers may face monetary fines and additional corrective actions until they meet compliance standards.

Penalties serve as both a deterrent and a reminder that worker safety is a legal and organizational responsibility. By enforcing the Act, the state ensures that retail businesses take meaningful steps to reduce workplace violence risks. Consistent enforcement helps protect employees, strengthens compliance across the industry, and promotes safer retail environments statewide.

Improving Compliance with the Retail Worker Safety Act with Modern Technology

Technology can play a major role in helping organizations comply with the Retail Worker Safety Act by streamlining processes, improving accuracy, and ensuring accountability. Digital tools make it easier to document safety practices, track employee training, and monitor risk assessments in real time, which strengthens both compliance and workplace safety. Some of these tools are the following: 

• Digital Checklists – Enables managers and retail business owners to conduct inspections and audits to confirm workplace violence prevention steps are followed

• Cloud Storage – Helps retail businesses maintain  detailed records of incidents, inspections, and corrective actions

• Digital Learning Modules – Facilitates interactive employee training sessions on best retail worker safety practices and encourages track completion.

• Incident Reporting Systems – Allows workers to quickly and safely report safety concerns or violent incidents through digital forms, check-ins, and panic button alarms.

• Analytics Dashboards – Monitors trends, measures compliance progress, and identifies high-risk areas needing attention, helping retail business owners make more informed decisions to improve worker safety.