On September 30, 2026, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) issued a proposed rule on the “Prevention of Retail Workplace Violence” prior to the upcoming effective date for the New York Retail Worker Safety Act’s (the “Act”) silent response button provision.
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Act will require covered retailers to provide a silent response button, a tool that allows employees to discreetly request immediate assistance during emergencies, as we addressed in a past blog post. The proposed rule provides guidance on what counts as a silent response button under the Act, employer coverage, and other important considerations for New York retail employers.
Does the Rule Apply to You?
While the proposed rule broadly defines “employer” as anyone who employs at least ten retail employees, only employers with 500 or more “retail employees” across New York are required to provide silent response buttons to employees and fulfill accompanying responsibilities. A “retail… Read the complete article here...
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