New York has declared June as Worker Safety Month, coinciding with the implementation of three new laws aimed at safeguarding retail, fashion, and warehouse workers.
The Retail Worker Safety Act, the Fashion Workers Act, and the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program officially took effect this month, marking a major expansion in workplace protections across key industries.
“Our workers are the lifeline of the state and deserve to have a safe and secure work environment no matter the job,” Hochul said in a statement announcing the initiative.
The Retail Worker Safety Act mandates violence prevention training for retail employers with ten or more employees. Larger employers with at least 500 workers must also provide silent response devices to help employees discreetly signal for help during emergencies.
The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program requires distribution centers to conduct worksite evaluations, provide safety training, and implement injury prevention strategies. It also reinforces worker rights under the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, including transparency around production quotas and protection from retaliation.
The Fashion Workers Act, set to take full effect on June 19, places new duties on model management companies. They must ensure a safe work environment, provide clear compensation agreements, and implement policies to address abuse and harassment. The law also restricts the use of digital replicas without consent and limits contract durations.
Labor leaders and agency officials praised the new laws and the broader recognition of Worker Safety Month.
“These new laws will help guarantee worker safety is prioritized in our great state,” said Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez.
ALIGN Executive Director Theodore A. Moore called the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act “a massive victory for workers,” while RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum emphasized that the Retail Worker Safety Act “goes a long way towards ending” daily risks faced by retail staff.
Also as part of Worker Safety Month, Hochul highlighted enhancements to highway worker protections in the FY26 budget. These include expanding the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program and increasing investment in training and safety awareness.
The Department of Labor also promoted its free On-Site Consultation Program, which has helped businesses avoid workplace injuries and save an estimated $500 million over five decades.
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