If you’re a New York employer, you may have heard about the new NYS Retail Worker Safety Act and you might be wondering: “Does this apply to me? What do I actually need to do?”
SHIFT is here to make it simple. Here’s what you need to know:
What industries are covered?
The Act applies to retail businesses primarily engaged in selling consumer goods directly to the public. Think: grocery stores, clothing shops, electronics stores, department stores, and similar businesses.
Even if your business doesn’t fit neatly into a traditional “retail” label, check carefully. If your main activities involve consumer sales, you may be included.
I’m not sure if we’re considered a “retail business.” What should I do?
Review your primary business activities. If you sell consumer goods directly to the public, you are likely required to comply with the Act.
Are grocery stores with food service or retailers with on-site restaurants covered?
The Act applies to retail businesses in New York State that employ at least 10 retail employees and sell consumer commodities. However, establishments primarily engaged in the sale of food for consumption on the premises, such as restaurants, taverns, and bars, are excluded from the Act’s coverage.
If a business combines retail and food service, what really matters is what they mainly do. For example, a grocery store that mostly sells food to take home—even if it has a small dining area—is probably covered under the Act. But if the main business is running a restaurant or serving food to eat on-site, it likely doesn’t fall under the law.
If my company isn’t headquartered in New York, do I still have to comply with the Act?
Yes. If you operate retail locations in New York and meet the employee threshold, the law applies, regardless of where your company is based. What matters is where your employees work, not your headquarters.
How many employees trigger the requirement?
You must comply if you have at least 10 employees at a single retail location.
This count includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.
What is required?
Employers covered by the law must:
- Conduct a workplace risk assessment.
- Develop and implement a written violence prevention program.
- Provide annual workplace violence prevention training to employees.
- Retailers with 500+ employees in NY must provide silent panic buttons for workers by January 1, 2027, to discreetly call for help in emergencies.
What if my company has fewer than 10 employees?
If you operate with fewer than 10 employees at a location, the law does not require you to complete these steps.
However:
- Smaller teams often face the same risks.
- Investing in safety builds a stronger, more resilient workplace culture.
Providing consistent training across your organization simplifies operations and demonstrates leadership.
Why should I train all of my employees if I’m not legally required to?
Because safety should never depend on headcount.
- It protects all employees — not just those required by law.
- It shows commitment to your team’s well-being.
- It reduces risk across your entire organization.
If you are already creating training and protocols, extending them across all locations and employees is smart, responsible, and cost-effective.
What if I have 10 employees, but only 5 are in sales?
The Act looks at the total employee count at the location, not job roles.
Do I have to provide training immediately?
The Act has phased deadlines. Make sure you’re preparing now to avoid last-minute issues.
Effective June 2, 2025:
Retail employers with 10 or more employees must implement workplace violence prevention policies and training.
- Employers with fewer than 50 employees must train workers at hire and every other year.
- Employers with 50 or more employees must train at hire and annually.
Effective January 1, 2027:
Employers with 500 or more retail employees statewide must provide silent response buttons (SRBs) for internal emergency alerts. SRBs may be stationary, wearable, or mobile-based.
Can I combine this training with other workplace safety trainings?
Yes! Integrating violence prevention with other safety programs often improves effectiveness.
How often do I need to conduct the training?
- For 10-49 employees: upon hire + every 2 years.
- For 50+ employees: upon hire + annually.
Quick Checklist: Do You Need to Act?
✅ Do you operate in New York State?
✅ Is your business primarily focused on selling consumer goods to the public?
✅ Do you have 10 or more employees at a single location?
✅ Do you want to proactively protect ALL of your employees, regardless of legal requirements?
If you answered yes to any of these, don’t wait. Take action now to ensure you’re ready by the June 2nd deadline!
Want to Learn More?
Schedule a demo of our New York State RWSA Preventing Workplace Violence course and see how SHIFT can help you protect your people and your business. Get a course preview and enjoy a free trial. No commitment required!
