Retail workers have faced increasing threats to their safety on the job. From violent crime to active shooter situations, the dangers are all too real. In response, a growing number of states are passing laws requiring major retailers to implement panic button systems to protect their employees.
New York became the latest state to take action, with Governor Kathy Hochul signing the Retail Worker Safety Act in 2023. This law mandates that retail stores with over 500 employees nationwide must provide workers with access to panic buttons by January 1, 2027. Nearly every major retailer in New York, from Walmart to Costco to Target, will need to comply.
The push for retail panic buttons gained momentum after a series of tragic incidents, including the racist attack at a Buffalo supermarket in 2022 that claimed 10 lives. Retail workers’ unions like the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) have strongly advocated for the measure as a critical step to improve workplace safety.
How do panic buttons work in a retail setting? There are a few key requirements outlined in the New York law:
- Buttons must be easily accessible and located throughout the workplace
- Activating the panic button should immediately contact the local 911 public safety answering point (PSAP)
- The system must provide the PSAP with the employee’s location information
- Pushing the button should dispatch local law enforcement to the store
Retailers have flexibility in the type of panic button system they implement. Options include physical buttons installed around the store, wearable devices, or a mobile phone app. Some retailers have expressed concern about false alarms with widespread panic buttons. But supporters argue this is a small price to pay for a system that could save lives in an emergency.
Beyond the legal requirements, what should retailers look for in an effective panic button solution? Reliability and durability are key, especially in demanding retail environments. Systems need robust connectivity, such as nationwide 4G/LTE and 5G coverage, to ensure panic alerts always go through. Devices should be water and dust resistant to withstand the wear and tear of constant use.
Additional smart features can make panic buttons even more powerful safety tools. Location tracking via GPS and Bluetooth beacons provides responders with pinpoint employee locations. SOS and broadcast alerts quickly notify the entire team of an emergency. And voice communication, either via built-in speakers and mics or optional headsets, allows employees to relay critical information.
One company at the forefront of developing advanced panic button solutions is Relay. Their RelayX device offers an ultra-rugged and reliable system designed for the toughest work environments.
In addition to quad-sim cellular and Wi-Fi for unparalleled connectivity, RelayX has unique capabilities like live language translation and compatibility with asset trackers. Relay’s platform approach allows retailers to manage all communication, safety and operational needs in one simple system.
“Frontline workers are 80% of the global workforce and are the lifeblood of our economy, yet they remain highly under-served and largely disconnected,” said Relay CEO Chris Chuang. “At Relay, it’s our mission to connect these frontline teams with simple, yet powerful tools that improve communication, enhance safety, and drive better operational insights.”
Implementing panic buttons is just one part of a comprehensive retail safety strategy. Stores must also assess risks, develop prevention policies and provide robust safety training. When seconds count, employees need to know exactly how and when to use their panic buttons.
Some retailers may see panic buttons as an unwelcome cost in an already tight market. But the value of improved safety far outweighs the expense. Better protected employees are more confident and productive. Demonstrating a real commitment to safety helps retailers attract and retain workers in a competitive labor market.
In the end, the growing adoption of panic buttons reflects a tragic reality – retail has become an increasingly dangerous profession. While these systems can’t prevent every crime, they provide a critical lifeline for frontline workers facing an emergency. As more states move to mandate the technology, one thing is clear: Panic buttons are quickly becoming a must-have tool for 21st century retail safety.
If you are a retailer looking to enhance worker safety with a panic button system, contact the experts at www.jethotelsolutions.com to learn more about their RelayX solution and turnkey installation services. Taking proactive steps now can help create a safer future for America’s retail workforce.