Across most industries today, companies are held liable for the actions of their employees that were hired without undergoing an employment prescreening. For example, if a caregiver abuses elderly patients and has a record of violent crimes, it is the responsibility of the employer to catch that record during employment background checks and prevent that person from being employed in a healthcare position.
With this legal fact in mind, it is more important than ever to implement an effective employment prescreening program in every business. In addition to learning more about a candidate in order to make informed hiring decisions, companies will limit their liability.
Whether required by law or driven by a desire to find highly qualified candidates, employment background checks allow hiring personnel to employ the best candidates possible. In order to be effective, a program has to be established at the beginning of the hiring process.
Always be upfront with candidates about how and why a check is being done. The screening process is beneficial to both employer and employee; both sides want to make sure the candidate and position are a good fit. Also explain any legal issues associated with employment background checks for certain specific industries; such as teachers and healthcare professionals due to the nature of these fields.
Many recent events are driving the law towards having employers responsible for their employees’ actions. Since the terrorist actions of September 11th, people working with infrastructure, mass transportation, shipping, and border control positions are under increased scrutiny. Any job interacting with children, from daycare to driving a school bus, requires a check on criminal records. Even accountants and executives are not above scrutiny after the latest round of financial meltdowns and wrongdoing.
The best way to limit legal liability is for every company or business to build their best team with preemployment screening to screen assist in avoiding the hiring of persons who can do harm to a business. More importantly, it shows that a company is doing their due diligence in keeping their customers, clients, and fellow employees safe.
Comprehensive background employment checks should be as detailed as required by the position in question. Records can be pulled for verification of a Social Security number and go as far as to look into an applicant’s complete work history. Drug testing and state license verifications can be obtained along with a person’s driving, criminal, and credit records as well as alerts from the National Sex Offender’s Registry.
With over 15 years of experience in the screening industry, The Screening Source, LLC has assisted businesses and companies in making wise, informed and legally sound hiring decisions. For fulfillment of your employment prescreening needs go to the screening experts at The Screening Source, LLC https://www.thescreeningsource.com.
Because in today’s world, employment background checks remain one of the best tools for limiting a company’s legal liability while simultaneously assisting in good hiring decisions.
