Protecting Your Team: A Guide to Commercial Lone Worker Safety
Ensure the safety of your employees who work alone. Learn about commercial lone worker safety risks, best practices, and how Aware360 can help.
Find out how the NY Retail Worker Safety Act protects workers and why panic buttons are required. See how Aware360 can help you stay compliant.
Retail workplaces are vibrant, bustling hubs of activity, but beneath the surface lies a persistent danger: escalating violence and security threats.
Imagine walking into your store, greeting your team with a smile, only to learn the neighboring store just had a smash- and-grab robbery. With reports from the National Retail Federation indicating that shoplifting events involving violence have increased by over one-third (35%) over the past year, the need for a robust safety framework to protect retail workers has never been more pressing.
Enter the New York Retail Worker Safety Act of 2024—designed to transform the safety landscape for retail, lone and at-risk workers. Here’s everything retailers need to know about this groundbreaking legislation and how Aware360’s innovative safety solutions can make a meaningful impact in ensuring a secure and supportive work environment.
The Retail Worker Safety Act of 2024 (RWSA) is a landmark legislation aimed at significantly enhancing the safety and well-being of retail employees across New York State. This act mandates that all retail businesses with at least 10 retail store employees develop and implement “comprehensive workplace violence prevention policy and training programs” as a measure to address the rising tide of violence and aggression faced by retail workers.
Its primary purpose is to create a safer working environment by setting clear standards for safety practices, training, and emergency response mechanisms. The overarching goal is to ensure that retail workers can perform their duties without fear of violence or aggression, thereby creating a more secure and supportive workplace.
To achieve these goals, the act requires employers to:
The requirements are effective June 2, 2025 (except the silent response button requirement, which comes into effect January 1, 2027). This comprehensive approach not only protects workers but also contributes to a more efficient and positive retail environment, benefiting both employees and customers.
The 2025 amendments have introduced the following changes to the RWSA:
Retailers operating in New York must take proactive steps to comply with the RWSA and its recent amendments:
For more information on how Aware360 can support your organization in meeting these new requirements, please get in touch.
The Retail Worker Safety Act was implemented in response to a significant and alarming escalation in workplace violence within retail settings—from defusing a heated argument between customers to dealing with a shoplifter who threatens them. 88% of retailers reported that such incidents have become more aggressive and violent compared to the previous year. This surge in violence is not unique to New York; states like California have also enacted laws mandating workplace violence prevention measures across various industries to combat this rising threat. These legislations aim to provide a structured and proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Retail workers face numerous hazards daily, ranging from physical injury to social and criminal risks. Here’s a breakdown of these common hazards:
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards, from physical shop layout vulnerabilities to patterns of customer behavior that could escalate to violence. Engage employees in these assessments to gain valuable frontline insights and foster a culture of vigilance.
Develop a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan that goes beyond compliance. Outline detailed protocols for reporting incidents, conducting regular safety drills, and providing clear instructions for emergencies. Look to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and The Department of Homeland Security for insights and best practices for your workplace violence prevention planning.
Employers with 500 or more retail workers within New York state must install panic buttons that immediately dispatch local law enforcement when pressed. This provision ensures that retail employees can quickly access emergency help, significantly reducing response times and improving overall safety.
Whether stationary or wearable, these panic buttons are essential tools for protecting workers, especially those working alone or during late shifts. Moreover, installing these New York retail panic buttons goes beyond compliance; it fosters a culture of safety and demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.
Note: While the term “panic button” is still widely used, recent legislation rebranded these devices as “silent response buttons” to prioritize internal alerts over direct law enforcement contact.
Many providers offer flexible solutions, allowing alerts to be sent either to internal monitoring teams or directly to emergency services, depending on the situation.
For retailers looking to implement these safety measures in compliance with the law, searching for "New York retail panic buttons" can help identify relevant solutions.
Aware360 can help retailers keep their employees safe and stay in compliance with reliable panic buttons like the Belle X and ActiveHalo. Employees can feel safe late at night, or when with aggressive customers with our SOS alerts.
Aware360 provides panic button solutions that offer both internal and external alert capabilities. Employees can send an SOS alert to our 24/7 Monitoring Center and designated individuals to receive immediate assistance, whether in an emergency or non-emergency situation.
With one touch, retail workers are directly connected through hands-free, two-way voice communication, ensuring a rapid response. This feature guarantees that your team is always supported when they need it most.
Experience peace of mind with Aware360’s solutions to protect your retail workers.
At Aware360, we believe that safety is a fundamental right for every worker. We're here to ensure that right is upheld, especially for retail workers who face tough situations every day. Our connected safety solutions do more than help retailers check compliance boxes; they create a real support network for employees who deserve to feel safe and empowered on the job.
Steve Matthews, CEO
Ensuring the safety of your employees is paramount. Aware360's innovative panic buttons and real-time monitoring solutions are designed to provide immediate response and enhance overall workplace security. Our easy-to-implement tools empower retail workers, ensuring they feel safe and supported at all times.
By leveraging Aware360’s cutting-edge safety technology, you can cultivate a workplace that not only complies with the Retail Worker Safety Act but also champions the well-being and peace of mind of your employees. Take a proactive step towards safeguarding your retail workforce. Discover how Aware360’s panic buttons and safety solutions can transform your safety protocols and provide unparalleled protection for your employees.
For an in-depth guide on enhancing retail worker safety and navigating the Retail Worker Safety Act, download our comprehensive retail eBook.
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