Background Checks

Every business can benefit from performing some type of background check. Resume distortion and manipulation continues to be a huge problem.

Studies indicate that 40% of job seekers either provide false or inaccurate information or intentionally mislead employers during the application phase. The reason they do this is they believe the information will not be checked.

Unfortunately, this is true.

Most employers never verify the information they received about an applicant's past. This is due to the perception that employers believe they cannot legally check a prospective employee's past, or do not want to take the time to conduct the check. 

The truth is that as long as the checks are being done "for employment purposes", there is a significant amount of information available on new applicants as well as current employees. Anytime when conducting checks you must, by law, advise the applicant in writing of your intention to conduct a background check, and get their written permission.

Employee background checks are now required when hiring all drivers. Companies are required by the FMCSA in 49 CFR Part 391.23 to conduct three levels of checks when evaluating an employee.

1. Initial Motor Vehicle Report for the past three years in each state where the applicant held a driver's license during that time.

2. Prior Employer Verification Inquiry for past three years to verify dates and times are accurate and any gaps in employment are explained.

3. Safety Performance History Investigation Inquiry for past three years regarding the applicants Safety Performance History with DOT regulated employers, alcohol and controlled substances prohibited conduct and accident records.

Aside from the required checks, there are quite a few other checks you can perform "for employment purposes."  These additional checks are useful to assure that there are no pending issues that could limit an employees ability to function at a desired capacity.  These checks include but are not limited to:

SSN Verification, Criminal History, Credit Reports, Education Verification, and Worker's Compensation Records are just a few examples of the many important checks WorkSafe Commercial Solutions can provide.

The questions you need to ask yourself as an employer are: 

What is the required job function of the person selected for the position? 
         
What information would be good to know about the person who will fill this position?

  Commercial Solutions can provide the answers.