Section 28-307.1. Obstruction of workplace exits prohibited

Except for the
  exemptions  specified  in  subdivision  j  of  section  27-371  of   the
  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  five  thousand  dollars  nor  more than twenty thousand
  dollars shall be imposed for each employee,  independent  contractor  or
  other individual endangered by a violation of this section.