By Ed Moltzen, Contributing Writer, LIBN
Retailers will be subject to a new law starting March 3 requiring them to take action to keep their workers safe, an act described as common sense but with some wrinkles that the state legislature may soon amend.
The New York Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA), passed by the state legislature last year and signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, would require retailers to train employees on workplace safety, as well as providing them with written safety policies. Larger retail businesses would also implement panic buttons.
“I think some retail stores are already doing things to protect their workers, but this law is made to help make sure all workers are safe,” said Christine Malafi, senior partner with Campolo, Middleton & McCormick of Ronkonkoma. “If their workers are safe, that means their customers are safe.”
And safe customers make for better business.
“It’s one of those laws that I have to say kind of makes sense,” Malafi added.