Video Surveillance

The video camera is one of the most commonly used surveillance devices in the workplace. As the cost of video surveillance equipment has fallen, this form of surveillance has become affordable to all but the smallest businesses and, indeed, is now a standard feature of security systems in premises, which have a high risk of theft or damage. Video surveillance is used primarily as security against theft, vandalism or unauthorized intrusion. As a form of security, a video surveillance system can be significantly cheaper than a professional security guard. Employers have a fundamental right to protect their property at all times and hence should be able to make use of visual surveillance equipment to achieve this. A further use of video surveillance is to monitor employee-related matters such as breaches of occupational health and safety procedures, and general performance.