There are many massive advantages of having CCTV installed on any commercial site, but you need to be careful to avoid breaching privacy laws.
CCTV helps to deter criminals and reassures your staff that they are under effective protection in the workplace, increasing productivity levels and staff well-being, and lowering the risk of high staff turnover.
As an employer, CCTV also allows you to monitor product progress and to ensure that the right health and safety protocols are being followed.
However, there are moral concerns about CCTV in the workplace, with some people stating that it shows a lack of trust. In some locations, it is actually illegal to have CCTV and you could find yourself in very serious legal waters if you breach employee privacy rights, even if you did so unintentionally.
In this article we will take an in-depth look at the legal restrictions in place in the commercial CCTV world, helping you meet your obligations as an employer whilst still maximising security and health and safety on the property.
Is workplace CCTV legal?
Yes. Fundamentally, CCTV can and is used on commercial sites up and down the UK perfectly legally.
However, usage is not unrestricted. There are rules in place that limit where and how CCTV footage can be recorded and used in the workplace and it is crucial to be well versed in these regulations before you install it.
The main restrictions surrounding CCTV use in the UK are established in the Data Protection Act 1998 which establishes the rules on how a company can collect, handle, and utilise CCTV footage, especially in relation to third party groups.
You have a legal responsibility as a business to inform your employees and anyone else who enters the premises that they are under observation. There must also be a valid reason behind the observation. This is usually to prevent crime from occurring and the presence of CCTV is highlighted through the installation of signage on and around your premises.
It is illegal to install CCTV in bathrooms, changing rooms, and other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
The Human Rights Act 1998
Another key piece of legislation that influences the use of CCTV in the workplace is the Human Rights Act 1998.
This act does not refer to CCTV specifically but does reinforce the right of people to privacy, even in public places. This does not mean that CCTV cannot be used but you must be careful not to violate the privacy rights of your customers.
Finding the Perfect Balance
At the end of the day, only you can decide if you want to install CCTV in your workplace or not. You know your staff better than anyone and know if the presence of CCTV will be a positive or negative impact.
One thing that is certain is that CCTV does provide a significant boost to your security so this is something you need to weigh up at the same time when making your decision.
