Jurisdiction resources / United States
Working alone in New York
A starting point for retail workplace violence.
Authority and scope
Retail workplace violence
New York Labor Law section 27-e requires workplace violence prevention policies and training for covered employers with at least 10 retail employees. Working alone or in small numbers is one of its listed risk factors. From January 1, 2027, employers with 500 or more retail employees statewide must provide retail employees with a silent response button for emergencies.
This is one starting point for the work described, not a complete list of state or federal requirements. Check which agency and rules apply to the employer and task.
Put the guidance to work
Questions for your plan
Does the retail employer meet the law’s thresholds, and how do its policy, training and response arrangements address the actual work?
What to review
Review prevention and training requirements for covered employers with at least 10 retail employees. From January 1, 2027, the silent response button may be fixed in an easily accessible workplace location, wearable or phone-based. Phone-based buttons may be installed only on employer-provided equipment; wearable and phone-based buttons must not track location except when triggered. Confirm whether the 500-retail-employee statewide threshold applies and assess any device against the law.
Some work requires another person on site. Remote monitoring does not replace that requirement or the organization's own assessment, training and emergency procedures.
Explore client visits and public-facing workCheck the current source
Official sources
Sources listed November 5, 2026. Links and requirements can change.
Discuss your work
Talk through your team's plan
Be Safe can explain how check-ins, human monitoring and Emergency Contacts fit your team's work. Your organization remains responsible for determining its requirements and procedures.
Contact Be Safe