October is the month of Halloween fun and frights, but there are frightening facts that can affect your workplace year-round. Read on to see what I mean:
[Phone rings]
Ann: “Cutting Edge, this is Ann.”
Customer: “What’s a frightening statistic you know that very few other people know?”
Ann: “Do we really have time for this?”
Customer: “I know you’re drinking black coffee and perusing criminal records. C’mon. It’ll be fun.”
Well, shoot. I can’t resist fun. Or statistics.
From OSHA:
- Nearly 2 million American workers report being victims of workplace violence each year.
- HOMICIDE IS THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH ON THE JOB.
OSHA’s definition of workplace violence: Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening and disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. Workplace violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide.
Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?
You, as an employer, need to know that unless you engage in due diligence in hiring, it is a statistical certainty that you will eventually hire someone with an unsuitable criminal record.
Industry statistics show that as many as ten percent of the applicants who are screened have criminal records. Of course, not all ten percent would necessarily be dangerous or disqualified from being hired. And I am the first person to say, EVERYONE NEEDS A JOB.
The impact of violence in the American workplace is staggering. OSHA defines workplace violence as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening and disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site.” Workplace violence can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. Nearly 2 million American workers report being victims of workplace violence each year, and many more go unreported.
Workplace violence experts have concluded it is difficult to predict ahead of time who will be violent.
Ya think?
However, there is an important common denominator when it comes to workplace violence–a history of past violence. Given the reluctance that many employers have in giving a reference that may reveal past violence, a criminal background check is often the most recommended method to help avoid workplace violence in the future.
For more information on how to not be part of this OSHA statistic, contact us at 833-4CHECKS (833-424-3247).
