It is difficult to have an eye on your business at all times. With all of the roles and responsibilities that come with day to day operations, you should seek to ease your load where you can. For example, the security of your business site. Can you be sure your office and premises are safe 24 hours of every day?
Worries such as this can be easily remedied with simple solutions, for example; the use of CCTV.
The Use of CCTV
CCTV cameras are used by many businesses across the UK. It works in aiding security efforts both physically and psychologically.
1) Peace of Mind
Having CCTV monitoring your business site can provide peace of mind. You are safe in the knowledge that if an incident were ever to occur, you will have a running base of existing footage which can be used to monitor and review such incidents, and have evidence of any wrong doing that could take place on site.
2) The Power of Presence
It is a well known fact that just by having a sign that says CCTV is in operation can be enough to deter criminal activity, let alone showing presence of the cameras themselves. Those who may be seeking to commit criminal activity would be less likely to act where they know that they could get caught red handed- it's difficult to plead innocence when there's footage that clearly states otherwise.
3) Health and Safety
CCTV also helps contribute to health and safety efforts. They are useful in monitoring the implementation of health and safety policies and systems to ensure all is being conducted on site as it should be. It also allows for the footage to be assessed in the event of a possible health and safety breach or accident.
Drawbacks
1) Privacy
An issue that employees can often have with CCTV on site is that they feel like their privacy is being compromised. It is important for employers to establish the foundation of mutual trust, and make it clear that CCTV presence is for the overall benefit of the company, and is not being used in any way which would harm or weaken employee's trust or confidence. If employers have trust and confidence and trust in their employees, this should be reciprocated.
2) Law
Of course installing cameras on site comes with a set of rules and regulations which must be abided by. The Data Protection Act (DPA) and The Human Rights Act (HMA) are two of the main standards that should be reviewed. Under the DPA, employees are able to request footage of themselves that has been captured on CCTV, which can occur if employees feel nervous about being within the CCTV's zone. The HMA refers back to privacy. The footage captured should not have an intrusive impact on employees, and should be used appropriately.
Overall...
CCTV is a great measure to implement on your business site as a part of your security system, but should be used alongside other measures to achieve whole coverage (of which you can see more here). It allows peace of mind knowing that your company is being consistently monitored. The installation does of course come with drawbacks, however, as long as it is made clear between employers and employees what the purpose of the CCTV footage is, and what part they play in it. Transparency and explanation is key for mutual trust and understanding, so speak to your employees and have it written in writing so that the company is fully aware of what CCTV means to your business, and what it is equally used for.
WINNS services can offer many types of security for your company including static guards, concierge, mobile patrols and stewarding. We have been established for over two decades and have a great amount of experience and knowledge in this industry. Our company prides itself on providing high standard services and exceeding your expectations. For more information about WINNS security services or to book them please contact us on 01702 719100.
