A thorough pre-employment screening program that includes criminal background checks and employee rescreening is vital for any size or type of organization. This will help prevent people with violent pasts from entering the workplace and can reduce potential legal liability for negligent hiring lawsuits.
It is also a good idea to screen contractors, volunteers, and temporary staff.
Background checks come in many forms and can reveal much information about an applicant to an employer. Criminal records, civil court records, driving records, drug tests, employment and education verification, sanctions related to healthcare, and foreign background checks are examples of common check kinds.
Preventing Violent Employees
Employers must have legally enforceable policies and be ready to take the necessary steps to ensure staff members are safe from violence. Creating a culture of zero-tolerance for violence and training employees on what they can do to report violence or potentially violent behavior is crucial.
A thorough background check with an employment screening company can help identify people who have a history of violence before they become employees. Performing these checks on new hires is essential but should be done routinely on all workers. Keeping current on screenings for extended employees, temporary or contract staff, and visitors can also be helpful.
Employees should be able to communicate openly about their fears and concerns without fear of retaliation. A trustworthy reporting system will help reduce rumors that may escalate to violence.
Preventing Violent Contractors
Violence in the workplace costs companies millions of dollars in lost productivity, medical costs, and insurance premiums. It also reduces morale, which is hard to recover from. Employers can prevent workplace violence by implementing a robust pre-employment screening program that includes criminal background checks, employment verifications, and reference checks.
All potential employees should be informed during the initial phone interview that they will undergo a full employee background check before being invited to have a live, in-person job interview. An effective workplace violence prevention plan also includes establishing policies that promote tolerance and respect for diversity, providing a process by which employees can report concerns without fear of retaliation, and ensuring that all incidents are thoroughly investigated and reported to local law enforcement.
It is essential to screen all employees, contractors, volunteers, and vendors. It is an excellent idea to do background checks annually on all current employees as well. A background screening company that offers a range of services for businesses of all sizes, including gig workers, can help you make sure you’re following the appropriate legal procedures.
Preventing Violent Vendors
A full employee background check shows if an individual has a history of violence and can prevent them from being hired in roles that could place people at risk. However, it’s also essential that companies have a policy that shows workers their safety is an employer priority.
Preventing Violent Guests
A background check can be used to prevent workplace violence by identifying individuals who may pose a threat to others. The most effective way to identify a potential threat is to conduct an extensive criminal background check that includes county records, driving history, education and professional licensing verification, and more.
This type of background check can uncover a violent history that could indicate a propensity to commit acts of violence at work or elsewhere. It’s essential to perform these checks on anyone who enters company property, including contractors, vendors, and temporary employees.
Establishing a legally binding and thoroughly documented screening policy can also assist in preventing workplace violence by sending a clear message to everyone entering your business that violence is not acceptable. The National Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers resources for developing a workplace violence prevention plan. The best part is that, when done correctly, a well-developed policy can help reduce your risks while protecting your bottom line.