CCTV Cameras on shop floor/ production area - Are there any legal implications?

Dear CiteHR Community,

A big thanks to all the contributors for sharing valuable information with the community. It helps us to gain clarity and perspective on different unknown topics. I have a few queries regarding the installation of CCTV cameras:

- Is it okay to install a CCTV camera on the shop floor?
- Are there any legal implications?
- How can we safeguard the trust of employees and workmen while installing cameras? The main reason for using cameras is to analyze and track how the same manpower is being utilized on different assembly lines during the same shift.

Looking forward to reading your responses.

Dear Kebb,

The replies to your questions are as below:

Is it okay to install a CCTV camera on the shop floor?

Reply: It depends on the mindset of the management. Secondly, it also depends on the mindset of the labor union leader, in case you have one.

Are there any legal implications?

Reply: I don't think so, but individuals with a legal background are better suited to provide a response.

How to safeguard the trust of employees and workmen while installing cameras.

Reply: This is a crucial question. The installation of CCTV cameras could be perceived as management distrusting the workers, potentially leading to a decrease in morale. Whether it will impact the organization's culture cannot be definitively stated. However, the negative repercussions could affect the organization's overall productivity.

The main reason to use cameras is to analyze and track how the same manpower is being utilized on different assembly lines during the same shift.

Reply: To achieve this, CCTV cameras are not necessary. Performance analysis can be conducted by implementing various measures. Start by measuring the costs and ratios associated with different production processes. The data itself provides valuable insights. Engage workers in brainstorming sessions on cost reduction or adjusting ratios. Involving them in decision-making processes will boost motivation and foster a healthy company environment.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Absolutely, there will not be any legal ramifications in installing CCTV in the shop floor. Nowadays, many company managements do this, and the CEO/Top executive can view this even from a remote area or from his mobile phone.

CCTVs are installed at the security area, front gate (entrance/exit), biometric punching area, shop floor, material handling area, WIP area, quality testing area, office area, canteen, washing area, and the like. As we are in the digital era, it is justified. At the same time, management should ensure that their employees are motivated.

Installation of CCTV on the shop floor/production area is not an issue in the legal sense, but it has an impact on the mindset of workers. What is the reason for the sudden step to install CCTV? Any incident or breach of norms, etc.? One will have to do it in a sensitive manner and keep workers informed informally and in a friendly manner, highlighting it as a security measure rather than as a surveillance tool. Advantages of deterring thefts/unauthorized visits by outsiders can be highlighted. A policy statement on who will monitor the CCTVs will also help, along with data/images, etc. Confidence of workers needs to be built up. Privacy laws in India are still a work in progress. Notices regarding CCTV on-site need to be displayed, and a data retention policy also needs to be stated. It is best to think out the reasons and inform workers and take them into confidence as it can affect morale. Unilateral installation can be avoided.

Only obligation is that the employer needs to display the notification "This Area/You is/are under CCTV surveillance."

For further clarity, please reach us at hr.revolutionservices@gmail.com.

Regards,
HR Revolution Services
Ghaziabad