Does your business fall under New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act?
Starting January 1, 2027, certain retail employers in New York will be required to provide employees with access to a silent response button for emergencies.
If you own or manage a retail business, now is a good time to understand what the law requires, who it applies to, and what options are available.
What Is the Retail Worker Safety Act?
New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act was created to address workplace violence and help protect employees in retail settings.
One of the requirements of the law is that covered retail employers provide employees with access to a silent panic button that can be used to alert others when help is needed during an emergency.
The requirement takes effect January 1, 2027.
Who Does the Law Apply To?
The silent panic button requirement applies to retail employers that have 500 or more retail employees statewide.
If your business operates multiple retail locations, the employee count is based on the number of retail employees across New York State, not simply the number of employees at one location.
Because requirements can change and individual situations may vary, businesses should review the current requirements from the New York State Department of Labor to determine whether the law applies to them.
What Is a Silent Panic Button?
A silent panic button gives an employee a discreet way to request assistance during an emergency.
Unlike a traditional audible alarm, a silent alert notifies the appropriate people without drawing additional attention to the employee or situation.
The law allows for different types of technology to meet the requirement, including a physical button, wearable device, or mobile application on employer-provided equipment.
The right option depends on the size of the business, layout of the workplace, existing security system, and how employees need to access the alert.
What Kind of Silent Response Options are Available?
There are several ways that businesses can provide employees with silent response alert capabilities, including the following:
Traditional Panic Button
A traditional panic button can provide employees with a quick way to send a silent emergency signal. Depending on the setup, buttons can be installed in convenient locations such as under a counter, beneath a desk, or in another area where employees can easily access them.
Two-Step Panic System
Some businesses may choose a two-step panic setup that requires two actions to activate the alarm.
This type of setup can help reduce accidental activations while still giving employees a discreet way to request assistance.
The appropriate configuration will depend on the business and its security needs.
Can a Panic Button Work with Your Existing Security System?
In some cases, emergency panic capabilities can be incorporated into an existing security system rather than creating an entirely separate system.
This can allow an alert to be monitored through the business's existing security infrastructure and response procedures.
Before choosing a solution, businesses should consider how an emergency alert will be received, who will be notified, and what happens after an alert is activated.
What Should Businesses Consider Before January 1, 2027?
If your business falls under the Retail Worker Safety Act, you should consider the following:
Employee count: Determine whether your business meets the law's employee threshold.
Existing security system: Review whether your current system can support a silent response button.
Button placement: Consider where employees would need access to an emergency alert.
Employee training: Employees should understand how and when to use the system.
Response procedures: Make sure there is a clear process for what happens after an alert is activated.
Technology options: Compare physical buttons, wearable devices, mobile options, and other solutions that may meet your needs.
Taking the time to review these items now can help businesses better understand what changes, if any, they need to make before the law takes effect.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
A silent panic system is just one part of a workplace safety plan. Businesses should consider how emergency alerts fit into their existing security system and response procedures.
Doyle Security Systems can help businesses review their current security setup and discuss available panic button options.
Learn more about panic and emergency response systems by contacting Doyle Security Systems to discuss your business's needs and schedule your free consultation today.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Businesses should review the current requirements and guidance from the New York State Department of Labor to determine how the Retail Worker Safety Act applies to their specific circumstances.