Employers in the construction industry face a challenge. The industry often has high rates of turnover, and there is a constant need for skilled and reliable workers. Conducting background checks on job applicants can help construction managers ensure that they hire competent and reliable people and can improve safety.
According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, over half of on-the-job accidents involve drug abuse. The U.S. Department of Labor found that substance abuse is a factor in 35 percent of all workplace injuries and fatalities, 35 percent of absences, 38 to 50 percent of all workers’ compensation insurance claims, and 40 percent of thefts.
Employee drug testing has been shown to be an effective way to screen out applicants who abuse drugs and to keep workers safe on the job. This is especially important at construction sites, where employees work with heavy equipment and materials that can lead to life-threatening accidents.
Construction site equipment is generally expensive. Sites also have personal property and proprietary information that can be valuable. Construction managers want to hire people without a criminal record who will not steal those materials. Performing background checks on prospective employees can alert employers if an applicant has a criminal conviction for theft or another crime.
Contractors must follow regulations and standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These standards are intended to keep workers and workplaces safe and free of accidents. Fatal on-the-job accidents involving contractors accounted for 12 percent of all fatal work accidents in 2011. Background checks and drug testing can eliminate workers who have criminal convictions and use drugs to help contractors ensure that all workers are meeting OSHA standards.
Data Check conducts pre-employment background checks and drug testing for employees in all industries, including construction. If you operate a construction business, you owe it to your employees, your clients, and yourself to do everything you can to choose the most qualified and reliable people to keep everyone who works on the site, as well as your equipment and other belongings, safe. Contact Data Check today to learn more about our services.
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