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With years of innovation, employee safety is becoming more and more of a priority for any professional environment. From gas stations, offices, and stores to factories, warehouses, and plants, the demand for workplace safety has exponentially grown. Fortunately, workplace surveillance has kept up with the demand thanks to innovations seen in modern IP security cameras and managing software. With fewer people, you can regularly monitor more of your company and your employees without having to comb through hundreds of video footage hours. Even if you still rely on analog cameras, there are options for you too to benefit your workplace surveillance.
Top five CCTV options for employee safety
Whereas A1 Security Cameras offers multiple CCTV brands that provide top-of-the-line hardware, not all of them will suit each workplace. For example, LTS works well for those that need something functionally straightforward and excels in small to mid-sized businesses. However, while the brand can be implemented in larger businesses, we’ve found examples like Axis Communications and Hikvision provide a more advanced option. So with that in mind, here are our top five choices for brands well suited to help with employee safety.
As mentioned, Axis Communications can be an excellent option for larger businesses needing workplace surveillance. Whether it’s for multiple locations or one expansive operation, Axis IP security cameras come in designs to cover every environment needed. Moreover, Axis management software offers several benefits to management and IT staff. One such benefit for broad employee safety is the capability to monitor movements and threats in real-time. Employees that are either loitering or exhibiting strange behavior can be noted by cameras with the software and noted in the recording either by alerts or upon review. While smaller companies can certainly purchase Axis hardware, we recommend it for mid to large-sized operations due to the cost of each product under the brand as well as the requirements to achieve advanced functionality.
Hanwha Vision offers both advanced Hanhwa Vision IP security cameras and Hanwha Vision management software at the more expensive end of the CCTV spectrum, similar to Axis. Similarly, the brand works to constantly innovate new products for those needing a surveillance solution having to do with workplace safety. The management software allows passive monitoring of human and vehicle movement. Noting when there are unusual movements or loitering, among other behavior that may be noticed. Additionally, the hardware offered by this option can be expansive, featuring multiple different kinds of camera designs for every type of environment.
Offering a middle ground between high-tier brands and those that specifically offer inexpensive CCTV, Digital Watchdog offers both advanced yet expensive and inexpensive yet base-level hardware. DW IP security cameras range in capability depending on what you’re looking for, while DW Spectrum still offers advanced functionality in terms of people and vehicle monitoring. Something worth noting about the management software is that while it is user-friendly, it also is cross-platform and friendly with many 3rd party CCTV products. This allows it to be a good option for those wanting to upgrade, but still retain much of their old hardware (if compatible).
One of our top pics for installations around Dallas Fort Worth and an OEM of Hikvision, LTS offers great workplace surveillance at a seriously reduced cost when compared to other options. With LTS IP security cameras coming in a selection perfect for most working environments, you can easily achieve employee safety with this brand. However, for larger operations or those interested in something more complex, the included LTS software might be a bit clunky or inefficient, depending on your needs. It still offers a management system that notes vehicle and human movement, but the modification of such is limited.
Similar to LTS, Ubiquiti systems offer software included in the setup or separately on their site, so it is as easy for you as possible. However, Ubiquiti IP security cameras are not necessarily as capable when used in outdoor environments. Compared to other brands, the cameras are affordable, but a bit frail. However, it should be noted that Ubiquiti specializes in Ubiquiti switch and network hardware that expands the capability of your entire system. Good equipment all in all, but often very hard to source. It should not be a surprise if A1 Security Cameras has the hardware one second and not the next due to the demand.
What do you need to set up a security camera system?
When it comes to implementing workplace surveillance and achieving employee safety, you will need more than just security cameras and management software. As one can probably guess, a network video recorder NVR and CCTV wiring to connect each camera to the recording hardware will be needed. For larger operations, you’ll probably use servers instead of a traditional recorder and much more wiring. Each camera in either situation will also need mounting hardware as that does not come included. Our security camera system installation team in dfw at A1 Security Cameras can handle all of this for business owners of Dallas Fort Worth and make the process easy for you.
Workplace surveillance improves safety and behavior
Not only does employee safety improve when workplace surveillance is implemented, but statistics indicate that losses attributed to theft by onsite professionals are also largely prevented. Thanks to multiple studies, we understand that employees that might be inclined towards theft or fraud are less likely to do so if there is even the slightest chance of getting caught and facing punishment. Along with their safety, workplace cameras allow for you to monitor when professionals are following policies and hold everyone accountable when needed.
Laws surrounding workplace cameras
It should be noted that you may be subject to limitations when applying workplace cameras. When there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, workplace surveillance can be inhibited, though not for good reason. Normal businesses obviously cannot place security cameras in restrooms and changing rooms, laws are clear on that. However, breakrooms and places where employees may go to rest will be limited depending on state laws. Most states allow for security cameras in these rooms, but a number of those restrict audio being recorded in such areas. Businesses like clinics, hospitals, and other places dealing with patients also may not necessarily put cameras where patients are being held depending on the local laws. It is thus incumbent on the business owner to be educated on such laws before purchasing workplace surveillance for employee safety.
