Using surveillance in the workplace
October 25, 2010
An employee who worked for an inter-city bus company recently complained that his employer was using 22 video cameras installed in a city bus depot to monitor and manage employee performance. The employee claimed there were no signs or notices in the bus depot advising employees or the public about the video surveillance. The employee alleged that his employer was collecting individuals’ personal information without their knowledge or consent.
The federal Privacy Commissioner investigated the complaint and found the employer’s purposes for collection and use of the information captured by the video surveillance cameras, as stated below, were reasonable:
- Purpose 1: To ensure the safety and security expectations of customers and employees.
- Purpose 2: To reduce and discourage incidents of vandalism and illegal conduct.
- Purpose 3: To limit the potential for liability for damages due to fraud, theft or inappropriate operational procedures.