The Growing Importance of Employee Duress Alarms: How New Laws and Technologies are Enhancing Workplace Safety
On September 5, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the Retail Worker Safety Act, which will require retail employers to implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention measures, including the installation of panic buttons. The law, which goes into effect on March 4, 2025, applies to retail stores with 10 or more employees.
The law mandates the installation of panic buttons, either physical buttons or mobile phone-based solutions, that immediately contact emergency services and provide employee location information when triggered. Employers will also be required to develop and implement a written workplace violence prevention policy and provide annual workplace violence prevention training for all retail employees.
While some retailers have expressed concerns about the cost and potential for false alarms, supporters argue that the law is a crucial step in protecting retail workers who are at high risk of workplace violence. As Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), stated, “Retail workers should not go to work every day in fear, this law goes a long way toward ending that.”
Advanced Technologies Enhance Employee Safety Solutions
Alongside legislative efforts, technological advancements are enabling the development of more sophisticated and reliable employee safety solutions. One notable example is the recently launched RelayX by Relay, a cloud-based platform that provides a powerful alternative to traditional two-way radios and standalone panic buttons.
RelayX offers unprecedented connectivity through a combination of 4G/5G cellular, private LTE, LoRa, and Wi-Fi networks, ensuring reliable communication even in challenging environments. The devices are built with industrial-grade durability, featuring IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, making them drop-tolerant, submersible, and dust-resistant. RelayX also boasts advanced audio capabilities with dual loudspeakers, digital noise and echo canceling mics, and compatibility with wired and wireless headsets. Smart features such as GPS location tracking, geofencing, and integration with asset trackers and other systems via API access further enhance the platform’s capabilities.
By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, solutions like RelayX are empowering frontline teams with the tools they need to stay safe and connected in any situation.
The Benefits of Professional Duress Alarm Installation Services
As more businesses seek to comply with new safety regulations and provide their employees with the best possible protection, the demand for professional employee duress alarm installation services is on the rise. By working with experienced providers like Jet Hotel Solutions, companies can ensure that their safety systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained to meet their unique needs and requirements.
Professional installation services offer numerous benefits, including customized solutions tailored to the specific layout, risk factors, and workflows of each facility. Expert guidance on product selection, system design, and integration with existing security and communication infrastructure ensures optimal performance. Proper placement and configuration of panic buttons and other devices maximize effectiveness and minimize false alarms. Ongoing support, maintenance, and upgrades keep systems running smoothly and adapt to changing needs over time.
As the importance of employee safety continues to grow, businesses across industries are turning to innovative solutions like employee duress alarms to protect their frontline workers. By staying up-to-date on the latest legislative requirements and technological advancements, and partnering with experienced providers for professional installation and support services, companies can create safer, more secure work environments that prioritize the well-being of their most valuable asset: their people.
For more information on employee duress alarm solutions and professional installation services for your business, contact the experts at Jet Hotel Solutions today.