Legislative Efforts Enhancing Retail Workplace Safety

As retailers across the US continue to experience incidents of violence and aggression, many states are now taking active measures towards preventing them by introducing mandatory Workplace Violence Prevention Plans (WVPP).

California Senate Bill 553 (SB553), effective from July 1, 2024, is the first legislation of its kind to address workplace violence and mandates that employers adopt a detailed workplace violence prevention plan. Once enacted, failure to comply can result in fines up to $25,000.

New York is quickly following suit with similar legislation. The Retail Worker Safety Act (S8358) is currently awaiting passage in the Senate. If enacted, this law with require retail employers to adopt measures to safeguard retail workers from violence.

In Texas, steps are also being taken to address workplace violence. House Bill 915, effective since September 1, 2023, requires employers to post notices in both English and Spanish about how to report workplace violence or suspicious activity. These notices must be placed in conspicuous locations convenient for all employees.

While these are currently the only laws specifically focused on general industry and retail, they reflect a wider trend of state-level legislation initially introduced to tackle workplace violence in healthcare settings. So far, 12 states - including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington - have laws that require healthcare employers to implement workplace violence prevention plans.

According to the LexisNexis State Net database, 27 states have considered over 100 bills related to ‘workplace violence’ in 2023. So far, 11 of those states have enacted such measures, indicating that many more could follow.

How Technology Adoption Can Support Workplace Violence Prevention Plans

As employers there are many safeguards that retailers can implement to reduce the risk of workplace violence. This includes installing security technologies such as body cameras. When worn by retail and security staff, body-worn cameras with a front-facing screen have been proven to de-escalate incidents by deterring aggression and recording an independent account of what happened.

By implementing body cameras, or safety cameras as they are commonly referred to today, retailers can significantly reduce instances of theft, vandalism, and aggressive behavior, creating a safer environment for both customers and staff.

In US retail trials, the introduction of Reveal safety cameras to retail associates resulted in a 67% reduction in safety-related incidents. These devices have also proven invaluable as training aids for retailers, particularly in teaching de-escalation techniques and improving staff wellbeing, confidence, and safety.

Additional Benefits of Body Cameras

1. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Body cameras provide clear and objective documentation of incidents. This transparency can reduce false claims and help resolve disputes more effectively. Body cameras can also encourage better behavior from employees and customers, knowing that actions are being recorded.
2. Improved Training Programs: Recorded footage from body cameras can be used to create realistic training scenarios. Retail staff can review real-life interactions to learn best practices and identify areas for improvement. This practical approach to training can enhance the overall preparedness of employees to handle potential violent situations.
3. Legal and Investigative Support: In the event of a violent incident, body camera footage can serve as critical evidence in legal proceedings. This evidence can help in prosecuting offenders and protecting the rights of employees and the business. It also aids law enforcement and internal investigations by providing a clear account of events.
4. Boosting Employee Morale and Retention: Knowing their safety is being prioritized through advanced technology, employees may feel more valued and secure in their roles. This can lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced staff turnover, and a more positive workplace culture.
5. Integration with Other Security Systems: Body cameras can be integrated with other security technologies, such as surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and alarm systems, to create a comprehensive security infrastructure. This integration allows for a more coordinated and effective response to incidents of workplace violence.