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Home > How do employee privacy rights figure into video surveillance?
September 23, 2005
By: Bob Whitehead
An employer wants to know that those she or he has hired
are trustworthy people who will uphold company policies.
It's only natural to want security in the workplace. But how
does one go about this? Video surveillance is an option when
it comes to keeping abreast of suspicious activity. But does
it violate employee privacy rights?
Video surveillance can be part of standard occupational
operations. The problem with privacy in the workplace comes
when these surveillance cameras are hidden in private
locations or employees aren't notified that they are being
taped. An employee has the right to expect privacy in areas
like bathrooms and changing areas.
What makes workplace privacy rights and legal issues
difficult when it comes to surveillance is that the laws
vary from state to state. If you are an employer and you
want to set up a video security system, seeking legal advice
first can help you avoid having employees who feel that
their privacy rights have been violated through
surveillance.
Keeping the surveillance cameras in public the public
workspace and notifying employees that they will be
monitored also can help avoid trouble. However, one issue
surrounding workplace surveillance is that while an activity
may be suspicious, the camera does not always show the
intent behind it. These issues must be dealt with
delicately, as wrongful termination of employment can lead
other problems.
Issues of privacy rights in the workplace are cropping up
not just in the United States, but in other countries. The
ease of video surveillance has led to reexamination of
rights across the world.
About the Author
Bob Whitehead is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
Also See: [
Invasion of
privacy laws, video surveillance & issues of legality ]
[
Digital
surveillance camera -- Cyber Eye mobile, image cameras ]
[
Hidden spy cams -- using
a nanny cam with your childcare provider ]
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