How CCTV Cameras can monitor staffs at the workplace

Almost everywhere you go today, you are likely to be captured by CCTV cameras, they are placed in many strategic positions to monitor people’s movements. You expect them in shops and malls, in banks and parking lots on the street, at traffic lights and food establishments. They have now become an accepted part of everyday life with most people never even noticing or caring that they are under observation.

Until recently there had been a lot of resistance towards employers using CCTV cameras to monitor workers as a safeguard measure to protect company property and increase individual’s safety. It has been considered an invasion of privacy for a lot of people and many workers have rejected the idea that their employers have a right to monitor the work environment. One area where security cameras cannot be used is in any area that has union activities.

Many companies that have used CCTV cameras for security purposes are now starting to install CCTV cameras around the workplace to keep track of workers and preventing theft.

Normanly, the law suggests  monitoring your staff in the workplace and other people, they must be informed that they are being monitored by CCTV cameras and to have their agreement.

CTTC cameras are not permitted in restrooms, change rooms, lunch rooms or areas where staff relax and are not working to allow for reasonable privacy.

Areas where CCTV camera security is permitted

In most instances, it’s advisable to get written permission from all your staff regarding your intention to have all your premises monitored by CCTV cameras. All new employees should be required as a condition of their employment give formal written consent to allowing all and any activity’s in the workplace to be monitored using CCTV cameras.

•         To monitor productivity levels
•         To ensure safety requirements and regulations are being observed or met
•          To ensure all services are done in accordance with company policies
•          To ensure the protection of company business interests and assets
•          To ensure company property is not misappropriated and reduce petty theft
•          As part of a company’s quality service monitoring
•         To help with staff training and improve productivity

Secret CCTV cameras

Secretly installing CCTV cameras in the workplace or anywhere else is illegal except in conjunction with relevant authorities for any reason. If you are worried about any issues relating to staff or personal safety first consult your local law enforcement agency and ensure that your actions are in the best interests of your employees and their safety.

With today’s increasing use of CCTV security cameras, it’s most likely that you are being monitored as soon as you go outside. This has two sides, if you always behave in a lawful manner, then it would be of little concern, But on the other hand your privacy could be compromised and the information gathered could be used against you by unscrupulous individuals or sold to others.

In business premises, the law requires that you must display signs so that people are aware they are being monitored and employees need to give their consent and advised of the specific areas where any CCTV camera monitoring is being done. They also need to be notified of the reason that you find it necessary to monitor those areas