Large retailers will be required to add panic buttons in all New York stores
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law that requires retailers with more than 500 employees to install panic buttons in all locations in the state by 2027, among other measures to step up safety protections for store workers.
The Retail Worker Safety Act also requires retailers to implement programs to prevent workplace violence and provide training to employees on de-escalation, active shooter drills, and emergency procedures. The law will go into effect after 180 days.
“The RWSA centers on preventative action that puts protections for workers and shoppers in our retail stores into place before incidents happen,” the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said. “The real time solutions in this law will save lives and make shopping safer for all.”
But the retail industry isn’t convinced of the effectiveness of panic buttons. Walmart (WMT) opposed it, with an executive saying the buttons would lead to false alarms.
“The costly mandates proposed in the bill – including the installation of panic buttons – will do little, if anything, to address recidivists entering stores with the intent to engage in illegal activity such as shoplifting and assault,” lobbyists including the National Retail Federation and the Food Industry Alliance of New York State previously warned.
According to the New York Police Department Community Affairs Bureau, 911 calls would be more effective to communicate with law enforcement than panic buttons.