REPORT: June 2006

Governor signs workplace violence prevention bill

by Nancy Webber

In a step forward for workplace safety, Gov. George Pataki has signed a bill that will require public employers with 20 or more full-time permanent employees to take action to prevent violence in the workplace.

The measure, which was actively supported by NYSNA and its members, will take effect in October 2006. It was introduced in the State Senate by Hudson Valley Republican Nick Spano and in the Assembly by Rochester area Democrat Susan John.

The new law affects all public employers, including the State of New York, counties, cities, public authorities, and public benefit corporations. It would affect NYSNA members who work for county health departments, city and county colleges, New York City, Westchester Medical Center, and Erie County Medical Center.

The new law requires these employers to evaluate workplaces to determine conditions that would put employees at risk for assaults or homicide. They then must develop a written workplace violence prevention program, which must be made available to employees. It allows employees to report unsafe conditions to the state Department of Labor and prohibits retaliation against them for making such reports.

“Many of our nurse members have described violence and threats of violence in their workplaces,” said Thomas Lowe, NYSNA health and safety representative. “This is a step in the right direction. We will continue to lobby for a law that applies to all employers in the state.”