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Workplace Security Legislation – What You Need to Know
CCTV is a popular way of assisting in the security of workplaces. Under The Data Protection Act 1998, if you use CCTV on your premises you have a legal requirement to provide adequate signage stating that it is in operation. These signs should be clearly visible and readable and, if not obvious, contain the details of the organisation operating the system, the purposes for using the surveillance system and who to contact about the scheme (you should have a work procedure in place to deal with reasonable or legal requests for information captured on your CCTV system). If the CCTV is discreet or if it may not be reasonably expected that a CCTV system is in place, the CCTV signage should be more prominent and frequent.
Workplace security is not just about protecting your premises and assets – it can help to protect your staff from violence and/or aggression. The likelihood of this will depend on the nature of the work (retail and licensed premises are often at a higher risk than other workplaces due to large amounts of cash being present as well as customer intoxication). Under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a responsibility to assess and avoid or reduce these risks. The act and regulations also make special reference to employer’s responsibilities to lone workers, as the dangers facing them can be different and/or more acute. Having relevant and sufficient security measures and procedures in place can help you to comply with these regulations by helping to protect your staff from violence and aggression as well as deterring crime.