N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 28-307.1: § 28-307.1 Obstruction of workplace exits prohibited.

Except for the exemptions specified in subdivision j of section 27-371 of the New York city administrative code or chapter 10 of the New York city building code, as applicable, it shall be unlawful for an employer or the agent of an employer to lock the doors of a workplace or otherwise obstruct or prohibit exit from a workplace when such act may endanger the health or safety of any employee, independent contractor or other individual in such workplace in the event of a fire or other hazardous condition or event. The commissioner shall classify a violation of this section as an immediately hazardous violation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, upon criminal conviction or civil adjudication of liability for a violation of this section an additional fine or civil penalty of not less than $5,000 nor more than $20,000 shall be imposed for each employee, independent contractor or other individual endangered by a violation of this section.