CCTV camera at the workplace is essential to have in you are business. Nowadays, it is estimated that around 96 per cent of businesses operate CCTV cameras in their workplaces.
In every part of our lives, there is at least one camera for every 13 people. However, to have a camera in the workplace, employers must consider employees’ privacy and make sensible decisions on their intention of having a camera. For example, to reduce the crime rate. This blog will learn more about the risk and advantages of CCTV camera monitoring at the workplace.
The BusinessWatch group has information to adhere to UK privacy and data protection laws (GDPR).
CCTV camera should always be operating in the public places and no in private places such as toilets and changing rooms.
According to the Information Commissioner’s office (ICO) guidance, you could use the monitoring system for the following pressing needs:
- Staff security
- Prevention of theft and vandalism
- Monitoring employee performance and workplace efficiency
- Monitoring compliance with health and safety policies and procedures
Before considering putting CCTV cameras at the workplace, there are a few risks associated with it:
- Employee trust – can break down if you don’t make the employee aware of your intentions to install this equipment. In some cases obtaining permission is a great way to engage employees and also respect their privacy.
- Data protection – you could get a fine and ban for future data processing. If there is any breach with personal data, it could publicly impact your business reputation as well as your profitability.
- Breaching Employees Rights – you could violate your employee’s privacy by using a CCTV camera. According to the Human right act 1998 – they could even take you to court because you’re violating the human right act, therefore you should ensure staff must be informed that they are being recorded.
It’s unacceptable to place CCTV cameras to monitor employees (performance) without any reasonable explanation. It’s only possible to record this if the team member is committing a crime at work – in rare circumstances, it’s a convenient process to do so as part of an investigation.
There can be advantages to having CCTV cameras in the workplace; however, it’s essential to communicate the information to your employees if you have CCTV in your workplace. By displaying a CCTV Monitoring sign. The sign should show the reason and how long is it monitored. For example “ 24/7 CCTV Monitoring at the workplace is here to protect our customers and staff.”.
Employees and visitors have the right to ask for access to the footage on which they appear. Before releasing the footage, the business needs to analyse and consider other individuals in the footage – if they need to blur their identity.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice on using CCTV cameras in the workplace or any other HR support.
