Bill > S00740

This bill updates the requirements for retail worker employers in preventing workplace violence by modifying existing labor law. The bill requires employers with at least ten retail employees to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention policy based on a model created by the state department of labor. The policy must outline potential workplace violence risk factors (such as working late hours, exchanging money, working alone, or having uncontrolled workplace access), prevention methods, and information about legal protections for workers. Employers must provide this policy to employees in writing upon hiring and annually, and in multiple languages based on employees' primary language. The bill also mandates interactive workplace violence prevention training for employees, which must cover topics like de-escalation tactics, active shooter drills, emergency procedures, and security device usage. For employers with 500 or more retail employees statewide, the bill requires providing employees with a silent response button to request immediate assistance during emergencies. The training and policy requirements will be periodically evaluated and updated by the department, with the provision about silent response buttons set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The bill aims to enhance workplace safety and provide clear guidelines for preventing and responding to potential workplace violence in retail settings.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S740