Security Systems Improve Employee Safety

Why install a security system? To catch criminals, of course. However, protecting employees is also a key reason for video monitoring and other security solutions.

Occupational Health and Safety regulations across Canada address violence and other hazards in the workplace. Whether you’re located in Toronto or Vancouver, as an employer, you must take reasonable precautions to prevent violence, including domestic violence, in the workplace. 

Scenario 1: Jane usually works alone at the front desk of a warehouse. One day, her boyfriend charges in, yelling and waving angrily.

Scenario 2: Derek is the new kid on the job site. Late one afternoon, his supervisor can’t find him. He’s behind a dumpster, passed out from a drug overdose.

Scenario 3: Susan, a forklift operator, moves heavy cargo around an outdoor storage facility. Jim, a new employee, routinely cuts through Susan’s workspace as he hunts down shipments.

These scenarios are based on all-too-common real-life incidents. In all three situations, video surveillance footage would help business owners and authorities investigate infractions and crimes. While remote video surveillance operators do not typically monitor protected areas until after hours, when the system is armed, the business owner could watch live any time, from anywhere.

In Jane’s case, if the system is armed, security system operators could verify the alarm with video and notify police. And at all times, visitors should be aware violence is not tolerated and their actions may be monitored at any given time.

Radius’ Redhanded™ remote guarding operators have tracked intruders using drugs in car lots and marinas after hours. Accordingly, if an intruder came on site after hours, our Human Detection Technology™ video analytics software would detect his presence and our operators would inform police of any suspicious drug use. In Derek’s case, we could use our pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras to search for him once his supervisor becomes concerned.

Scenario 3 describes a situation prohibited by WorkSafe BC regulations, and one which led to two fatalities earlier this year. A lumberyard was cited for not separating pedestrian traffic from forklifts, which in turn were carrying heavy loads too high. Video surveillance footage would inform a storage facility owner that pedestrian traffic was overlapping with forklift operations.

Video alarm verification and remote video monitoring can clearly play a key role in keeping your employees safe. However, the benefits of video surveillance, such as safety, loss prevention and productivity, must be balanced against privacy considerations. The use of security cameras must be reasonable, done with employee notice, and comply with privacy laws.

Done properly, video monitoring helps ensure employees’ safety and reduces costs, such as lost productivity, fines, insurance premiums etc. A commitment to safety also improves workplace morale. Besides, it is simply the right thing to do.

Sources:

Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace: A Handbook for Employers. WorkSafe BC.

Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment. Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Workplace Where Lumber Tragedy Occurred Had Years of Safety Infractions. OHS Canada.

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen

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