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A recent article on a construction-based website talked about a few crucial aspects of background screening for industry professionals.

The Importance Of Background Checks

At Backgrounds Online, we firmly believe that every employer should run background checks on anyone who might represent their organization. These powerful reports help hiring managers make informed decisions and maintain safe workplaces. They are an essential part of the due diligence process because they can help hiring managers determine if a candidate might pose an undue risk to the business, staff or public.

Background checks are a highly customizable tool that can be tailored for any type of position. This empowers employers to get the data they need to help make choices about potential employees, contractors or volunteers. For example, people who work in the construction industry might be required to have specific licenses to operate heavy machinery. A background report can confirm whether a person has a license that is in good standing.

Drug Screenings

Drug testing is especially important for safety-sensitive positions. Construction workers often operate or work around large machines and potentially hazardous conditions. This can make drug screenings a crucial part of the hiring process.

As more states legalize medicinal and recreational marijuana usage, some employers are removing cannabis from the drug panels they run. However, according to the article, marijuana testing continues to be stringent within the construction industry. New types of oral tests are making it easier to detect inebriation in real-time, so these tests could become more common.

Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for employment purposes continues to grow for many industries, including construction. To help avoid inadvertent discrimination, legislators in some locations are starting to regulate how employers may utilize AI as part of their decision making process.

While these laws are new and differ by location, there are a few best practices that can be used by employers in any industry:

• The tools should be built to not disqualify applicants based on location, gender or other such factors.
• When possible, it’s a good idea to utilize a combination of AI and human oversight.
• Audits should be conducted periodically to help make sure no bias has been inadvertently introduced into the AI.
• Employers should keep up with new and upcoming laws that regulate the use of AI where they operate.

Recommendations For Screening Construction Workers

While screening packages differ based on the position, a few common components include:

• A comprehensive suite of criminal searches.
• Motor Vehicle Record Searches for anyone who will drive or operate heavy machinery on the job.
• Employment verifications.
• Credential verifications.
• Drug screenings for safety-sensitive positions.

If Your Organization Is Hiring

As we said at the start, background screening is important for every employer. If your organization is in need of employment background checks, please contact us. Our experienced team can help you fully customize screening packages for any position.

Backgrounds Online is based in California. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.