Wearable cameras


A GMB official in the LRD survey referred to an impasse at a leading manufacturing company over the employer’s plans to introduce cameras attached to the helmets of forklift truck drivers. This was ostensibly for health and safety purposes, but union members were opposing it, partly because of a breakdown of trust after two employees were dismissed on the basis of evidence obtained through images from CCTV already installed on the premises. 


The growing use of body-worn video (BWV) cameras is addressed by the revised ICO surveillance camera guidance. It states that: “BWV systems are likely to be more intrusive than the more ‘normal’ CCTV style surveillance systems because of its mobility.” For organisations considering the use of BWV, it is important that consideration is given to “whether or not it is proportionate, necessary and addresses a pressing social need.” 


If audio recording is also being used, then this also needs to be justifiable. The guidance recommends a privacy impact assessment (PIA) (see page 83) to demonstrate that both video and audio recording is necessary. Similarly, continuous recording will also “require strong justification as it is likely to be excessive and cause a great deal of collateral intrusion”, including capturing people “going about their daily business”, as well as the individual who is the focus of attention.