What happened?

On September 5, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed AB 8947C, imposing significant workplace violence prevention requirements on retail employers, including a panic button. 

Quick Summary:

• Employers should create a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and conduct annual training on de-escalation, active shooter drills, emergency procedures, and panic button use (if applicable).

What are the details?

Quick Summary

• Covered Employers: Most retail employers in New York are covered.

• Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (WVPP) and Training: covered employers must develop a workplace violence prevention policy and implement its training.

• Panic Buton: employers with 500 or more retail employees nationwide must provide this item throughout all workplaces. They can be physical or phone-based, provided they comply with the requirements. 

For additional information, you can visit our previous communication: New York to Enact Retail Worker Safety Act (VensureHR)

Business Considerations

• Employers should develop a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy identify factors that put workers at risk of violence, and outline methods to prevent workplace violence. Remember that the policy must comply with the training requirement, so plan a training too.
• Employers should do the required annual training and train employees on de-escalation tactics, active shooter drills, emergency procedures, and the use of panic buttons (if applicable).
• Employers should use the California Workplace Violence Prevention Plan for inspiration for their policies and training, although some differences apply. Employers can access some information here.

Source References

• NY Assembly Bill A8947C
• New York Law to Provide Protections Against Workplace Violence for Retail Employees (Seyfarth Shaw LLP.)
• NY Retailers Must Implement Safety Measures to Combat Workplace Violence: 3 Steps to Compliance (Fisher & Phillips LLP.)

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