What you need to know about the new regulations:
Who is required to provide training?
All New York State employers with at least one employee will be required to provide and complete anti-sexual harassment training on or before October 9, 2019. Employees are defined as any paid and unpaid interns, all full- and part-time employees, any owners of the company, as well as seasonal and temporary workers. The New York State law requires you to train all employees even if they work for you for only a single day.
New York State also recommends that you provide training for volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and anyone who provides services in your workplace. Any one you hire, serves on your board or has any contact in your workplace should be trained. You can be held liable even if these non-employees are accused of sexual harassment. (This is not legal advice. Please contact your attorney or NY State for a complete description of the law.)
What if I don’t comply?
The department of labor will be enforcing the new regulations. Non-compliance can result in significant fines. The department of labor can also hold managers, executive directors, boards and owners personally liable. This is in addition to company liability.
The most significant reason to be in compliance is your company’s ability to state in court if you are accused that you did provide training. You are obligated to do all you can to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. (This is not legal advice. Please contact your attorney or NY State for a complete description of the law.)
When do I have to provide training?
New York State will require annual training. All employees must be trained by October 9, 2019. (This is not legal advice. Please contact your attorney or NY State for a complete description of the law.)