Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, lawful and transparent rules for the use of dash cams and video surveillance in Australian workplaces and vehicles. It helps organisations balance safety, security and incident investigation needs with privacy, data protection and WHS obligations, reducing risk for both workers and the business.

The use of dash cams and video surveillance is now common across Australian workplaces, particularly in transport, logistics, construction, field services and high‑risk environments. While these technologies can significantly improve safety, security and incident management, they also introduce complex WHS, privacy, employment and reputational risks if not managed under a clear, documented procedure. This SOP provides a structured framework for when, where and how cameras are used, how footage is accessed, and how it must be stored and disposed of in line with Australian legal and regulatory expectations.

By implementing this SOP, your organisation can demonstrate that dash cams and video surveillance are deployed for legitimate health, safety and security purposes, rather than unchecked monitoring of workers. The document addresses worker consultation, signage and notification requirements, integration with incident reporting and investigations, and strict controls on who may review or share footage. It also sets out practical guidance for supervisors and drivers, including pre‑use checks, what to do following an incident, and how footage can and cannot be used in performance management or disciplinary processes. This reduces the risk of disputes, claims of unfair surveillance, and non‑compliance with WHS duties, while strengthening your ability to investigate incidents, defend claims and continuously improve safety performance.

Key Benefits

• Ensure dash cam and video surveillance use is compliant with WHS duties, privacy principles and workplace surveillance laws across Australian jurisdictions.
• Reduce disputes and grievances by clearly defining how, when and why workers may be recorded and how footage may be used.
• Strengthen incident investigation and claims management through reliable, lawfully obtained and well‑managed video evidence.
• Standardise camera setup, operation, storage and retention practices across vehicles, sites and teams.
• Protect your organisation’s reputation by demonstrating transparent, ethical and proportionate use of surveillance technology.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners
• Directors and Officers (PCBU representatives)
• Fleet Managers
• Operations Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Human Resources Managers
• Security and Risk Managers
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Transport and Logistics Coordinators
• IT and Systems Administrators

Hazards Addressed

• Vehicle collisions and near misses in fleet and transport operations
• Aggressive behaviour, harassment or violence towards workers in the field
• Unauthorised access to sites, theft and property damage
• Disputed accounts of workplace incidents and injuries
• Psychosocial risks arising from perceived covert or excessive monitoring
• Data security breaches involving video footage of workers or members of the public

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Dash Cams, Fixed CCTV, Body‑Worn Cameras, Surveillance Zones)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Legal and Regulatory Considerations (WHS, Privacy and Surveillance Laws)
• 5.0 Conditions for Use of Dash Cams and Video Surveillance
• 6.0 Worker Notification, Signage and Induction Requirements
• 7.0 Equipment Selection, Installation and Configuration
• 8.0 Operating Procedures for Drivers and Workers (Pre‑Use, During Use, Post‑Incident)
• 9.0 Access, Review and Use of Footage (Authorisation, Purpose and Limits)
• 10.0 Integration with Incident Reporting, Investigation and Claims Management
• 11.0 Data Security, Storage, Retention and Disposal of Footage
• 12.0 Use of Footage in Performance Management and Disciplinary Processes
• 13.0 Managing Psychosocial Risks and Worker Concerns Related to Surveillance
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Communication
• 15.0 Audit, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and model WHS Acts as implemented in states and territories)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state and territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27001:2023 Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection – Information security management systems
• Australian Privacy Principles (Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), where applicable)
• State and territory workplace surveillance and listening devices legislation (e.g. Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW), Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (VIC))