FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are commonly asked questions regarding the installation of covert video surveillance equipment.
Q: Can an employer use a hidden video camera in the workplace?
Q: Are there any areas that an employer cannot use surveillance cameras?
Q: What is the difference between covert and overt camera equipment?
Q: What details do I need to worry about regarding the installations?
Q: Can an employer use a hidden video camera in the workplace?
A: In Western Australia employers can use security cameras to visually monitor the workplace provided that the camera does not pick up private activities. A "Private activity" is defined as "any activity carried on in circumstances that may reasonably be taken to indicate that any of the parties to the activity desires it to be observed only by themselves, but does not include an activity carried on in any circumstances in which the parties to the activity ought reasonably to expect that the activity may be observed." (Surveillance Devices Act 1998 WA)
Individuals committing illegal acts in an area open to the public or within plain view of persons who have a legal right to occupy the area do not have a legal right to object to surveillance, nor can they claim invasion of privacy.
Q: Are there any areas that an employer cannot use surveillance cameras?
A: Any area in which employees or customers can reasonably expect some degree of privacy would not be recommended.
Inadvisable locations for surveillance:
- Toilets
- Change Rooms
- Fitting Rooms
- Private Offices (without consent)
Always remember to respect employees' rights to privacy by only using electronic surveillance where there is a legitimate reason.
Q: What is the difference between covert and overt camera equipment?
A: As the names suggest a covert camera is a hidden camera and cannot be easily detected, and an overt camera (CCTV) is usually a fixed camera system in full view that not only records the selected area but also acts as a visible deterrent to potential offenders.
Q: What details do I need to worry about regarding the installations?
A: You need to determine a time for the installation to be done that minimizes any exposure. Cameras can be installed while employees are working in the immediate area. However, it is always easier to do the work when no one is around. You need to consider the following factors:
Will your employees see the representative? Is the time of the installation unusual for contracted work to be done?
© Asset Surveillance
Site design by Michael Efford.
This site’s design is only visible in a graphical browser that supports web standards, but its content is accessible to any browser or Internet device.