In 2019/2020 there were more than 690,000 workplace accidents[1] in the UK, resulting in over £16m in HSE fines (averaging £180,000 per case) and significant loss of earnings for employees (with employees losing on average 8 days per injury)[2]. It’s perhaps not surprising therefore that employers are increasingly looking to CCTV not just as a crime deterrent, but as a critical tool in ensuring employee health and safety (H&S).

In addition to giving employers complete visibility of every corner of their premises, security cameras and signage also play an important psychological role in encouraging employees to follow H&S rules and protocols. This not only helps to safeguard employees – be it lone workers or those on the manufacturing line – but protects employers against accident-related claims and fines.

How can CCTV cameras help?

‘Deep learning’ technology means that CCTV is no longer limited to passive surveillance.

Cameras can accurately detect, identify, and analyse human, vehicle, and object features and behaviour (indoor and outdoor). This self-learning and insight not only allow employers to spot and mitigate risks, but to learn from repeated incidents or patterns of behaviour which they can feed into their H&S strategy.

Red Security MD, Yann Maciejewski commented: “when it comes to health and safety, one size doesn’t fit all. The system design and chosen technology will depend on a myriad of variables – from the physical site itself, to the nature of the operations, the risk factors (a manufacturing site poses a higher injury risk than a retail premises), and of course the objectives and priorities of the client. With today’s technology, we are able to design truly bespoke solutions to meet the unique needs of every client and its people – from the simplest, to the most sophisticated system”.

Manufacturer harnesses CCTV to protect employees

In a recent example, Red Security completed a 40-camera system for a major manufacturing facility in Dorset. With c.3000m2 of office and manufacturing space, spread across five units, the client needed to ensure all key areas were covered in order protect its employees working both day and night shifts. The additional external cameras also allow the company to monitor the arrival of visitors/vehicles and detect any unusual or suspect activity, 24/7.

The system allows the client to:

• View a larger area in greater detail but with fewer cameras, thanks to the cameras’ high resolution and wide-angle lenses.
• Have a single view of all cameras across all five sites via a centralised platform, accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
• Record, store, download and playback footage locally or remotely.

Finally, the system was installed in adherence with UK privacy and Data Protection laws – a key consideration for all employers (see below).

[1] https://lawswoodclaims.co.uk/blog/how-many-accident-at-work-occured-uk-2020/

[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/cost-to-britain.pdf

Employer considerations

Before installing a CCTV security camera system, there are a number of considerations companies should take into account:

• Transparency: Employees can sometimes feel uncomfortable about the use of CCTV in the workplace and so open and honest communication from the outset is key. Before installing CCTV, we always recommend that clients engage with their employees to explain the purpose and benefits of CCTV cameras. You should also produce a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) explaining your reasons in writing (templates can be accessed here https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/accountability-and-governance/data-protection-impact-assessments/).
• ICO registration: Any business using CCTV for crime prevention should register with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). Online registration is quick and straightforward, but your installer should be able to guide you through it.
• Data Protection: In line with Data Protection rules, you should display visible signage to inform people they are being filmed. Your system installer can provide this signage.

For more information about employer obligations visit the ICO website: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/

For more information about our CCTV consultancy and installation services, click here. To speak to us about your requirements or to arrange a free survey, please contact us on 01202 798017 or info@redsecuritysytems.co.uk.

[1] https://lawswoodclaims.co.uk/blog/how-many-accident-at-work-occured-uk-2020/

[2] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/cost-to-britain.pdf