You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

 

[DiMcg]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

Sad we have to get to this stage of safety but a good thing for workers. It should be an option for any retail business in todays disrespectful society. I know it is really needed at Big W stores as the verbal abuse is a frequent weekly occurrence.

 

[Wandiwa]

As I was standing at a Coles checkout recently, I counted 27 cameras scattered around me, roof & wall mounted etc. So your already being monitored and recorded from every angle. One more as a body cam makes no difference to the consumer, but should help with employees safety and harrassment.

 

[Macarj]

I agree with them and I thing I will ware a camera to show when a Woolworths employee is rude to me it only started as I got older

 

[Stanier123]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

Perhaps they can take photos of the folks who block the aisles and gas bag. Holding up other customers and staff filling shelves. Then post pictures on line and at the shop front about those who think shopping is for socialising. If it’s you go to a coffee shop and do it. Shopping is go in, get out with supplies.

 

[gordon1940]

I have two "Grandies" that work at Coles who love their Job and smile with and chat with Customers. However , the occasional Nasty Customer really upsets them. They cannot understand unkindness.

 

[Maurie7]

Great move Woolworths, in this day and age all stores should have them.

 

[Luckyus]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

If people have a problem, then go shop somewhere else.

 

[ElizabethL]

I think this is a great idea if they are used properly. As someone who worked in customer service for many years I know how much abuse that customer service workers cop. What's even worse we were told by our employers that we had to accept it or find another job. I'm not sure how they will be used to stop abuse. I would live to see a name and shame video of abusers in stores. Maybe if they saw themselves through a camera it would wake them up to their rude behaviour.

Definitely a name and shame wall would be great. I work in a servo and we also cop a lot of abuse but we have to suck it up because “the customer is always right”. I was actually told this by one of my managers.

 

[Penny4]

I've actually never seen abuse thrown at any Woolworths' staff, but I have witnessed a lot of stealing from customers.

 

[Stanier123]

I've actually never seen abuse thrown at any Woolworths' staff, but I have witnessed a lot of stealing from customers.

From customers or by customers? Certainly the false advertising, smaller packaging and food labels is stealing from customers.

 

[Penny4]

From customers or by customers? Certainly the false advertising, smaller packaging and food labels is stealing from customers.

Witnessed customers stealing goods, walking out with trolleys not paid ie. @ scan items then leave without paying at the eftpos etc. I attend about 4 local woolies stores & they usually have young women overseeing the self check-outs, who really can't do anything about it.

 

[JustPat]

Well considering the recent incident went a supermarket worker got stabbed in the hip by a shopper can't say I blame them.

 

[Liz]

Sad that this has had to happen but if it protects workers from abuse, I am all for it.

 

[ChrisT]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

Store bodycams without specific permission is going too far.

Wrong, abusing retail staff is going too far,

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

I've stepped in more than once as a customer in defense of female staff being abused by bullying morons, I say take this technology to all staff members working in customer service. As for those saying it's an invasion of privacy, well if you're doing nothing wrong it won't affect you will it.

 

[DrivingGirl]

Store bodycams without specific permission is going too far.

Well they’ve told people about it, so best you don’t shop there if you’re not comfortable with it

 

[LadyMoonlight]

Totally agree with the cameras, as I am not going to be abusive towards staff. Act like an arsehole, get filmed, make it go public, won't act like that again methinks.

 

[Chicky]

Why would it bother customers....if your not doing anything wrong . A family member use to work at a supermarket and the things she told me happen to her and other staff members by customers was just wrong.

 

[PeeBee]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

100% in support of these measures.
Sad that an element of society frequently descends to this level provoking an “extreme” response.
Note the cameras are only switched on in response, a clear warning is provided to the “perpetrator,” and the footage is “only available to police and the legal team.”
Maybe we should have the same for medical staff - nurses, paramedics and doctors?
I am frequently subjected to abuse (depending upon the geographic area in which I work) - verbal and physical. Especially during the pandemic when I declined to write certificates as I have no authority to do so! To the extent that I seriously considered giving up my profession.

 

[Yvonne Margaretha]

You’ve probably heard the news or seen it on social media yourself – people getting pushy, and worse, aggressive, towards retail staff.

Supermarket giant Woolworths took matters into its own hands to protect its team members. Last year, Woolworths trialled body cameras in select stores. And while the new security measure was done in a bid to prevent assault and abuse of staff, it also divided customers and sparked a bit of backlash online.

Workers in the retail industry have long suffered from unfair levels of abuse and mistreatment, which is why Woolworths took measures to protect its employees from harm. Numerous reports of assault, including verbal, physical, and sexual, were brought to the attention of executives at the supermarket giant.

Woolworths Director of Stores Rob Moffat told reporters: ‘Nobody deserves to be abused at work, so it’s important we look at new measures to help keep our team members safe.’

View attachment 10512

Staff now wear body cameras while on shift. Credit: Woolworths Group AU

He added that the new body camera system is already widely used in retail across the US and the UK, and was found effective in reducing the rate of reported incidents.

‘The cameras will only be turned on as a last resort if a supervisor is concerned about a threat to team safety,’ Mr Moffat continued.

For added security measures, the captured footage will only be made available to the supermarket’s legal teams and to the police, when appropriate and for the sake of the other party’s privacy as well.

Well, these ‘team safety’ cameras were spotted by a shopper at their local store and posted to TikTok.

‘Woolies employees are now using body cams,’ they said in the video.

View attachment 10513

Many were in favour of this change, but others weren’t as keen. Credit: aussiehumour1/Pexels

Many social media users praised Woolies’ decision to take swift action against abusers. ‘Great idea, keep the staff safe,’ shared one.

‘That’s smart in a way,’ added another.

Someone else commented that the abuse put on employees every day is ‘horrendous’.

‘Enough is enough!’ They continued.

Others expressed disappointment over the fact that Woolies had to take extreme measures because staff had suffered so much in the past.

‘Isn’t it sad that this is what it’s come to for service staff?’ said one.

‘The way some customers treat them, I’m not surprised,’ a second added.

A retail worker chimed in: ‘Wish I had one. Customers will literally try to have a smackdown over the smallest thing.’

Another recalled their experience when they worked at Woolworths. ‘Minimum once a week, someone would threaten to kill me,’ they shared.

Someone else said that while she was working during one Christmas rush, her register broke down. This prompted the customer she was serving to ‘spit on her’. ‘The camera just missed the culprit’s face. She got away with it,’ she said.

However, some viewers called this security measure an ‘invasion of privacy’.

‘Why are they filming me when I’m shopping?’ One asked.

‘What’s next? Tasers?’ Another added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths implemented a security measure last year to protect staff from abuse and assault by using body cameras in some of its stores.
• Customers reacted in various ways such as praising the initiative, while others claimed it was an invasion of privacy and expressed sadness that such a measure was necessary.
• Retail employees have deemed the initiative fair, and have shared their own stories of abuse while at work.
• The footage recorded will be stored on Australian servers, and only be available to the store’s legal team and the authorities, when appropriate.

What can you say about this security measure, members? Have you spotted staff at your local store wearing these? Let us know your thoughts below!

As I am not in the habit of abusing staff under any circumstances I think the cameras are a great idéa. Shameful that they are needed. The staff are not paid to cop abuse - ever.

 

[RobD]

It is a sad reflection on our "civilised" society when people going about their labours, need to go to such measures. I would have liked to have seen this in our hospitals, 40 years ago. When as a young nurse I was beaten by an impatient patient. I honestly do not remember how many times I witnessed and was a victim of both verbal, (including death threats) and physical assault, whilst at work caring for the sick and dying. Being a bloke and a nurse put a target on my back for aggression. I have empathy for anyone assaulted, while just doing their job.