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Be Responsible, Not Negligent
In 2010 two factory workers were killed by a co-worker. The individual committing the crimes had been suspended on the day that she re-entered the premises, shot two co-workers and injured another.
Referring to the company's policies and protocols, the attorney representing the families of the individuals killed used these documents to argue that the security personnel had not been properly trained nor had they followed company protocol in preventing the suspended employee from re-entering the workplace. The families of the deceased were ultimately awarded over $8 million by a Philadelphia jury.
Employers must understand that if or when one of their employees hurts another employee(s) or customer, they likely will be responsible for the injuries (or worse). There are ways to protect the company from also being found negligent in their hiring and retention practices:
1. Set goals in terms of providing a safe workplace.
2. Set a budget that shows your commitment level.
3. Research background screening companies to determine the best provider to support your safe-workplace goals.
4. Develop a background screening policy that complies with federal and state laws.
Zuni Corkerton is the Founder and President of RefCheck® Information Services, a human-resources-based firm that focuses on providing in-depth background screening services. To learn more about RefCheck's services, contact Zuni at 800-510- 4010, x.12 or [email protected].
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