The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released an updated version of its Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers. According to a press release issued by OSHA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that in 2013 more than 23,000 significant injuries were due to assault at work, and over 70% were in the healthcare and social service areas.
The publication addresses such topics as:
• the impact of violence on healthcare and social service workers
• identifying and assessing workplace violence risk factors
• violence prevention programs
Conducting criminal background checks on job applicants is one way to help reduce the risk of violence. A comprehensive employment screening program should be a major component of every company’s hiring policy. Background checks can reveal someone with a history of violence or undesirable conduct, a potential red flag for potential and future violence.
Increase safety in your workplace and safeguard your employees, clients and business. Conduct workplace violence training. Make sure you’re doing as much as possible to provide a safe and productive work environment. When conducting background checks though, make sure you’re in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Click here to visit the OSHA website.