Over the past few months, we’ve taken a look at a range of workplace safety issues and how video security systems can reduce risks of injury and threats to employee safety.
We’re wrapping up this series today with a quick look at how video surveillance cameras strategically positioned around the exterior of your physical campus can improve employee morale and satisfaction.
Employee Turnover is Expensive
The costs of replacing an employee range from 30% of the worker’s salary to more than 1-½ times the salary, depending on level of skill and experience (and industry), according to many industry estimates, including HR consultants GNA Partners .
Based on the GNA Partners data [link above], a manufacturer could spend $40,000-$100,000, maybe more, to replace a skilled tool and die maker, welder or electrician.
Video Security Cameras Guarding the Premises Can Reduce Turnover….
As the labor market for skilled workers has tightened in Alabama in recent years, employees are more willing to look for “greener pastures” in the face of unpleasant work situations.
Recently we had a client install additional exterior security cameras around their parking lots and other areas, in part because vandalism or concerns about personal safety were affecting employee job satisfaction.
Property Crime Impacts Satisfaction
We’re all familiar with thefts of property from unlocked vehicles or even the smash-and-dash scenarios where a vandal breaks a car window to steal a purse, briefcase or other item, whether in view or hidden.
High crime districts and back alley entrances are not the only places where security cameras are needed. A physical assault or vehicular breaking-and-entering can happen anywhere.
Arguably, the areas of town where property crime is less expected can be the most “lucrative” for a gang of thieves looking for unlocked cars or certain makes/models where the catalytic converter could easily be removed.
Catalytic Converter Thefts
In recent years, many “safe” areas of Birmingham and surrounding suburbs (including Homewood) have experienced a rash of incidents where vandals would remove the catalytic converter from vehicles. Other similar crimes have involved the removal of tailgates from pickup trucks.
Don’t take our word for it: Here are links to a few news reports on the rise of catalytic converter thefts around Alabama and nationwide:
http://www.wbrc.com/story/22148857/auto-dealer-catches-alleged-thief-on-camera
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/news/20170413/catalytic-converter-thefts-on-rise-local-arrest-made
http://blog.al.com/live/2011/03/catalytic_converter_car_thieves.html
Video surveillance can often deter these types of property crimes. Even if the crime is not prevented, the surveillance footage can help police identify and catch the thieves.
Physical Assault Risks
Property crime is expensive and a headache, but every employee should feel physically safe, while on the job and while coming/going from the parking lot.
The risk of physical assault on employees is real. Some employees are at higher risk because of the nature of their work. Hospital personnel who work in institutions where patients are admitted for mental health issues are at particularly high risk these day.
All employees who are leaving (or arriving) at work after dark have a higher risk than those who come to work and go home during daylight hours. Staff who work alone or in small numbers in remote areas also face a higher risk.
Video security cameras can contribute to worker safety, especially for those who work in isolated areas or those who need to walk to their car after dark.
Video Surveillance Can Help
Your employees have a right to feel safe when they’re on the job. When properly installed, maintained and monitored, video surveillance cameras can help.
If you have an Alabama business, contact Vulcan Security Systems today for a needs assessment.
