This covers the practical basics that come up whenever we install CCTV or access control in a workplace — not a full legal compliance audit. For anything beyond the basics, your HR or WHS advisor is the right person to ask.
Telling staff about surveillance
Under the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW), employees need written notice at least 14 days before surveillance starts — for anyone who joins after that, the notice needs to be given before they start work. Cameras also need to be clearly visible, with signage at each entrance. This applies whether it’s a new system going in or extra cameras being added to an existing one — it’s about notifying people before the change, not just when a system first goes in.
Signage
Visible signage where cameras operate is expected practice, separate from the staff notification above — it covers visitors and contractors who wouldn’t otherwise know they’re being recorded.
Who can see the footage
Keeping access to footage limited to people who actually need it — and being able to show who viewed what, if it ever comes up — is good practice as much as it’s a compliance point. Most systems let you set up separate logins per manager rather than one shared password everyone uses.
Where this fits with broader WHS obligations
Security cameras and access control are part of a safe workplace, but they’re one piece of a much bigger picture that includes risk assessments, incident procedures and training — all things outside what we install. We can tell you what a system can and can’t do; your WHS advisor is who should sign off on whether it meets your broader obligations. Our business security guide covers the equipment side in more depth if you’re starting from scratch.
How Saint George Group can help
We’re a licensed NSW security installer (NSW master licence ML000111327). When we install CCTV or access control in a workplace, we’ll talk through signage and camera placement with you — get a CCTV quote or an intercom quote to get started.
Quick answers
Do I need to tell staff before installing cameras? Generally yes, in NSW — see the note above. Confirm the exact requirements with your HR or WHS advisor before installing.
Can cameras cover staff work areas, not just entrances? Often yes, but the rules get more specific the more cameras cover ongoing work activity rather than just entry points — worth checking with your advisor for your specific situation.
Getting notification and signage right isn’t complicated, but it’s worth doing before the cameras go up, not after.
