Can You Record Forklift Drivers with Safety Cameras in the EU?

It’s a question we’ve been asked a lot lately – especially from clients who’ve seen forklift camera systems advertised with onboard recording features. Some systems claim to offer onboard video storage and event-triggered recording, while others avoid video recording entirely. 

So what’s the deal? 

If one system records and another doesn’t, is it legal or not? Can you actually record drivers operating forklifts in the EU? And should you? 

Let’s break it down. 

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can – But There Are Strings Attached 

Yes, it’s possible to use forklift cameras that record video in the EU. But just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s straightforward. 

Recording employees at work is heavily regulated in Europe – and for good reason. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being watched all day. And under GDPR and local labour laws, continuous recording can quickly cross the line from “safety measure” to “unlawful surveillance.” 

So, if you’re considering forklift camera systems with recording, here’s what you need to know… 

What Does the Law Actually Say? 

Let’s get something straight: there’s no blanket ban on cameras or video in the workplace. But there are some pretty intense rules. 

To record legally, your setup must: 

• Be justified (e.g., for safety or incident investigation). 

• Be proportional (you can’t record everything, everywhere, all the time). 

• Be transparent (you must inform employees and document the purpose). 

• Be secure (recordings must be stored properly and deleted when no longer needed). 

Even with employee consent, recording can still be challenged. Why? Because regulators care about how much is being recorded, why, and whether it could have been done another way. 

Why Some Systems Avoid Video Recording 

Some safety technology providers choose not to include dashcam-style recording at all. Instead, they focus on real-time alerts, driver behaviour monitoring, and live sensor data to prevent incidents before they happen. 

This approach: 

• Minimises compliance risk 

• Keeps deployment simple 

• Builds more trust with staff and unions 

For businesses that want a plug-and-play safety system without legal complexity, this can be a smart move. 

Why Other Systems Include Recording Options

Other systems take a different route, offering configurable video features such as: 

• Continuous recording (if properly justified and managed) 

• Event-triggered recording (e.g., when someone enters a danger zone) 

• Onboard storage for a limited time (up to 2–3 weeks in some setups) 

These features can be incredibly useful for: 

• Investigating collisions or near misses 

• Supporting insurance claims 

• Training and disciplinary processes 

But here’s the catch – it’s your responsibility as the employer to use these tools legally and ethically. That means: 

• Completing a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) 

• Consulting with staff and unions 

• Being crystal clear about how footage will (and won’t) be used 

So Which Forklift Safety Camera Should You Choose? 

It depends on your priorities. 

• Want maximum compliance simplicity and minimal legal risk? Go for a system without video. 

• Need the ability to investigate incidents with footage? A recording-capable system may be worth the extra effort. 

Either way, the most important thing is making an informed decision – and putting the right policies in place. 

Our Take: Start with Safety, Not Surveillance 

At WSS, we’re here to improve safety outcomes — not to turn your site into a reality TV set. 

Video can be a powerful tool when used responsibly, but it’s not the only path to a safer, more compliant workplace. Whether you choose a non-recording solution, a system with configurable video, or something hybrid – we’ll help you: 

• Stay on the right side of GDPR 

• Improve safety without losing trust 

• Choose tech that fits your culture, not just the spec sheet 

Need to Learn More about Forklift Safety Cameras? 

If you’re weighing up your options or need help navigating compliance, let’s talk.

We’ve worked with dozens of sites across the UK and Europe, and we’ll make sure you land on the right solution for your team and your environment. 

Reach out to WSS today and let’s discuss the best safety solutions for your workplace.

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