Enhancing Worker Safety and Confidence: The Role of Body-Worn Video in New Zealand and Australia

Across New Zealand and Australia, frontline workers are facing increasing threats to their safety — from verbal abuse to physical assaults. These rising challenges have sparked adoption of body-worn video (BWV)  technology as a frontline deterrent. Used in many industries beyond public safety, such as security, retail, and parking enforcement, BWV offers more than just recording capabilities — it’s becoming a cornerstone of safer, smarter workplaces.

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The implementation of BWV technology is becoming increasingly vital across diverse industries in the region. In New Zealand, the retail industry has witnessed a staggering 115% increase in retail crime between 2018 and 2023, with nearly 150,000 incidents reported annually. Similarly, Australia faces a significant challenge, with nearly half (49%) of its workforce reporting experiences of workplace violence and harassment—more than double the global average. This alarming trend spans various sectors, including healthcare, education, and public services. For instance, Queensland teachers have called for body-worn cameras in classrooms due to a spike in physical aggression incidents, reaching a five-year high.

Industry taking action to reduce the risk 

This surge in risk to worker safety has prompted major retailers, councils and bylaw enforcement such as fisheries or parking, to take action and better protect their workers. In New Zealand, Woolworths deployed body-worn cameras in 2024 across all 191 stores after a surge in violent incidents against staff. The company reported that cameras have already made a difference by de-escalating confrontations and offering staff greater peace of mind.

Other sectors are also seeing results. In Auckland, parking officers working with Auckland Transport now wear BWV, as do many council workers from Southland District Council, to reduce the risk of harm and abuse as they undertake their jobs.  Since the rollout, Auckland Transport noted the number of aggressive incidents has significantly decreased, offering clear evidence of the cameras’ deterrent effect.

Australia was an early adopter of body-worn video, with major retailers such as Bunnings, Coles, and Woolworthsintroducing the technology to protect staff from threatening customers and deter aggressive behaviour.  Officeworks also piloted body-worn cameras and duress watches in 2023 across nine stores in five states, aiming to mitigate harm and address psychosocial risks; early results showed the initiative was well-received by staff and has proven effective in de-escalating threatening situations.

Body-Worn Video: More Than Just a Camera

Body-worn cameras have emerged as a promising safety tool that could improve worker well-being. According to Motorola Solutions’ Australia and New Zealand Retail Worker Safety Report from an independent market research firm, Researchscape, over half of retail workers in the study believe that body cameras would help them feel safer, with 66% citing their usefulness in gathering evidence for investigations. Additionally, nearly half agree that body cameras can deter aggressive or criminal behaviour in stores, underscoring their growing importance as a safety solution in the retail sector.  

The benefits not only support worker well-being, but also provide value to the business for training, development and accountability.

Four key Body-Worn Video (BWV) benefits include:

1. Worker Safety: BWV is a visible deterrent to aggression, providing a safer working environment for staff. When people know they’re being recorded, confrontational behaviour tends to drop significantly.
2. Confidence and Well-being: With a camera as backup, workers report feeling more confident and secure, knowing they can call for help and have video evidence if something goes wrong. This sense of safety directly contributes to improved mental well-being on the job.
3. Training and Development: Footage from real incidents serves as powerful training material. New employees can learn how to respond to difficult situations, and existing staff can continuously refine their approach to customer interactions and conflict resolution.
4. Crime Reduction and Accountability: Whether in retail stores or on city streets, BWV has the potential to reduce crime. The simple presence of a camera often stops incidents before they escalate. If an incident does occur, BWC footage helps ensure accurate reporting and accountability with the collection of evidential-grade footage.

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Choosing the Right Motorola Solutions Body-Worn Camera (BWC)

To meet the safety and security needs of frontline workers in all industries, Logic Wireless has partnered with Motorola Solutions to distribute their BWV portfolio. Motorola Solutions body worn cameras (BWC) include the VT100, V200, VB400 and V500 devices, that work with the Motorola Solutions VideoManager. 

Use Cases for Motorola Solutions BWC:

	VT100	V200	VB400	V500
Key Differentiators	Ultra-compact, lightweight, simple controls, flexible mounting options, brandable	Two-way GoLive Audio, Wi-Fi live-streaming, top LCD display, brandable	GPS tagging, rugged design, long battery life,  IP67	Live-streaming HD video over LTE or WiFi, IP67, Two-way GoLive Audio, GPS-enabled, advanced connectivity
Ideal use scenario	Light commercial environments like hospitality or customer service.	Frontline environments such as retail, hospitality and events where real-time, two-way support is needed at a moment’s notice.	Law enforcement, transport, and long shift workers.	Complex security operations and integration needs.

Logic Wireless: Trusted Partner Across ANZ

As an authorised distributor of Motorola Solutions body-worn video portfolio in Australia and New Zealand, Logic Wireless works with organisations of all sizes to strengthen safety and confidence on the frontline. From retail stores and city councils, to transport authorities and security providers, our team offers professional services including:

• Expert consultation and device selection
• Deployment support and configuration
• Ongoing service, updates, and technical assistance

Whether you’re starting small or scaling across multiple sites, we’ll ensure your body-worn video solution delivers real impact for your business and your staff.

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Proactive worker safety for frontline staff

The message from the frontline is clear: body-worn cameras are no longer optional — they’re essential. With real-world results, improved worker well-being, and the ability to deter crime before it starts, BWV is reshaping workplace safety in Australia and New Zealand. Logic Wireless stands ready to help your team be better connected and protected. 

Learn more about Motorola Solutions body-worn video solutions or explore our Video & Security portfolio. Contact Logic or find your local Logic Dealer today to discuss how you can better protect your frontline staff.