On September 4, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) S8358B/A8947C into law. The Act requires covered New York retail employers to, among other things, adopt a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP), provide workplace violence prevention training, including on topics such as de-escalation tactics and active shooter drills, and requires covered employers with more than 500 retail employees nationwide to install panic buttons throughout the workplace. 

To help retailers in the state ensure compliance with the New York Retail Worker Safety Act — which goes into effect on June 2, 2025 — we've launched a new compliance training course aimed at satisfying the exact requirements outlined in the law. So let's talk about it!

Preventing workplace violence: why this course matters

For the retail workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing concern. A recent survey by the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) revealed some troubling statistics:

  • Over 70% said they’d feel safer if they received regular training on how to be safe at work.
  • Over 80% of retail workers fear an active shooter scenario.
  • Nearly two-thirds have experienced verbal harassment or intimidation at work.
  • Less than 10% felt their employer made safety improvements after violent incidents​.

Retail spaces require a different approach to workplace violence prevention compared to office settings. Our course takes into account the realities of front-of-house (FoH) retail work, using scenario-based learning, real-world examples, and interactive content to keep employees engaged and informed.

Course details at-a-glance

In this knowledge-packed 5-minute course, employees will learn:

  • How to recognize warning signs of potential violence: how to spot behaviors that may indicate escalating risk
  • De-escalation techniques: strategies to defuse tense situations with customers or colleagues before they become dangerous
  • Responding to violent incidents: what to do in case of an emergency, including best practices for personal safety and alerting security or law enforcement
  • Reporting procedures: encouraging employees to document and report incidents to create a safer work environment
  • Legal rights and employer responsibilities: ensuring compliance with the New York Retail Worker Safety Act and understanding the protections in place for workers

The bottom line

If you're a retail employer in New York with 10 or more employees, now is the time to ensure your team is trained and prepared. Ethena’s Retail Worker Safety Act course is available now — reach out to learn more about how we can help your business stay compliant while protecting your employees.

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