Cameras in workplace

Ph3n0m

Can anyone settle an arguement about this.

I am of the opinion that if an employer wants to install a camera in the workplace, he/she is entitled to (general workplace - not the toilets or anything like that)

And the other side of the arguement that such an act infringes on employees right to privacy

Nothing is mentioned in contracts, etc - I am just wondering is there anything in law about this?

*edited cause my post made no sense when I first wrote it

seamus

An employer can install cameras on his premises if he wishes. As you say, there are general restrictions - toilets, etc. Ultimately an employee has no real right to privacy while on the company premises, and using company fixtures/property. If any employee wishes to engage in private matters, they should be done outside of the workplace. Obviously they can't strip-search employees, but the employee doesn't have a right to be able to do things out of view of the company.

I would say though that an employer may need a valid reason for installing the cameras, if challenged.

Lump

Of course they can install cameras. It's their building/company after all. Obviously can't install them in toilets or staff rooms, as has already been mentioned. Have you got something to hide?

John

Ph3n0m

Nope Lump, thats why as I said in my OP, that employees dont have a choice - jeez does no one believe anyone anymore?

CuLT

Ph3n0m wrote:

Nope Lump, thats why as I said in my OP, that employees dont have a choice - jeez does no one believe anyone anymore?

It's the crazy, frakked up world we live in these days

matrim

As far as I know you can install them, however if asked you must tell the employee where they are.

Pongo

I am of the opinion that if an employee wants to install a camera in the workplace

Not sure if you meant employee, an employees right to install CCTV would be doubtful, but an employer is perfectly entitled to, but must advice employees that they are installed, hence the 'These premises are monitored by CCTV...' sings you see. They can also be installed in staff rooms, and common toilet areas, i.e. pointed at sinks, (NOT at the urinals!) floorspace etc. They cannot be installed in changing areas or 'private' areas of toilets...

As far as I know you can install them, however if asked you must tell the employee where they are.

Nope, you don't have to tell anyone where they are, just that they're installed. Google 'covert CCTV' and you'll be surprised. Next time you look at that clock, smoke alarm or emergency exit sign, smile, Big Brother could be watching you...

Ann Elk

What if you work in a toilet? Or a porn studio? Hmmmmmmmmmm........

bullrunner

i dont think they can be directed at any one individual either...but can at a certain area of a work place (ie the tills of a shop...where people would change over at certain times).

Ann Elk

Orrrrrrrrr..........you could just apply for a position as a security guard in your workplace and just stare at people - that would be fun, thigh not as much fun as working in a Porn studio

Pongo

i dont think they can be directed at any one individual either...but can at a certain area of a work place (ie the tills of a shop...where people would change over at certain times).

They can be pointed anywhere. Once it's not an area where staff change, or use the tiolet, it's fair game. And even then, see my above post about covert cameras. A lot of premises would have remote controlled pan and tilt cameras as well, i.e. they're not fixed in any one position and can be moved around to follow an individual. These are usually the black 'dome' type things you see conspicuosly hanging from a ceiling. If you have reason to be concerned, assume that you're being watched all the time. The reality is though, unless you're doing something you shouldn't be, just forget about it. Big Brother gets bored if you're not up to anything....
One other thing to bear in mind is the possibility of audio surveillance. A sign that says 'Security Systems are in operation' would cover a camera with built in microphone. Using audio surveillance recordings gets very murky very quickly in court though, but best to be safe than sorrry....

kiffer

Pongo wrote:

One other thing to bear in mind is the possibility of audio surveillance. A sign that says 'Security Systems are in operation' would cover a camera with built in microphone. Using audio surveillance recordings gets very murky very quickly in court though, but best to be safe than sorrry....

I've been told by some one working in the Security industry that it was against the law to record audio with out both sides consent, so they could'nt install cameras with mics...

dont know how true that is...
but I was directly asking him if he had installed audio equipment where I was working at the time so I dont know if he was telling a bald faced lie...

( or now that I think of it just avoiding answering the question... hummm)

Pongo

I've been told by some one working in the Security industry that it was against the law to record audio with out both sides consent, so they could'nt install cameras with mics...

Like I said, it gets very murky when you're dealing with audio recording. Generally once you're informed that you are being recorded then an audio recording can be made, hence all the 'this call may be recorded' messages you get.
It definitely isn't against the law to install cameras with microphones built in, it's just using the audio recording could be tricky. I certainly wouldn't assume that it's illegal and can't be used against you though...

Naos

bullrunner wrote:

i dont think they can be directed at any one individual either...

Rofl. That would be hilarious, a big office block and have one camera pointed at one individuals desk. See how long it took until they cracked up.

As mentioned, their premises, their cameras. Bar toilets/staff room, it cannot affect privacy rights as everything you do is for the company and you are being paid to do so.

shayser

Back when Tesco was Quinnsworth, they put cameras in the deli/meat dept where I worked. 30 mins later the union was in and 30 mins after that the cameras were out!! We laughed.

Farls

shayser wrote:

Back when Tesco was Quinnsworth, they put cameras in the deli/meat dept where I worked. 30 mins later the union was in and 30 mins after that the cameras were out!! We laughed.

Was gonna say this...the last factory i worked in put in cameras on all doors to the warehouse...the union came in and out went the cameras...i love unions

Red Alert

Most modern cameras do in fact have the ability to record sound. When they're retrofitted to an older system very often the sound's not connected - but if you're paranoid assume the sound works. They might monitor it but not even record it.