While background checks are fundamental, they can have limited value in screening out potential wrongdoers.
According to a study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 86 percent of people found to be perpetuating fraud in businesses – misappropriating funds, tampering with the books – have never been charged with a prior offense.
Takeaway? While you should certainly perform background checks, don't assume you can relax other methods to detect fraud just because employees have been screened.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Return-to-Work Toolkit Offers Insight on Rights and Responsibilities
The Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) recently released an online return-to-work toolkit designed to educate employers and employees about the return-to-work process and inform both groups of their rights and responsibilities following an employee's disability-related leave of absence.
Resources in the employee portion of the toolkit include information about job accommodation, preparing for a job interview, resume writing, self-employment and employment-related laws. The employer portion of the toolkit features topics ranging from modifying work duties and helping disabled employees perform essential job functions to reducing workers' compensation costs. It also provides overviews of employers' obligations under federal laws including the FMLA, ADA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and workers' compensation laws.
Access the resource at www.dol.gov/odep/return-to-work
This Risk Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. Content © 2010 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Resources in the employee portion of the toolkit include information about job accommodation, preparing for a job interview, resume writing, self-employment and employment-related laws. The employer portion of the toolkit features topics ranging from modifying work duties and helping disabled employees perform essential job functions to reducing workers' compensation costs. It also provides overviews of employers' obligations under federal laws including the FMLA, ADA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and workers' compensation laws.
Access the resource at www.dol.gov/odep/return-to-work
This Risk Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. Content © 2010 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Preparing for Office Infestations
Infestations of bedbugs seem an unlikely threat to offices, but in reality, any building with carpet, fabric or furniture is at risk. Bedbugs are easily transported from one location to another, so offices with many employees and visitors face extra risk. In fact, according to pest-control company Orkin, 10 percent of bed bug reports come from commercial properties.
Thankfully, bedbugs are not known to spread disease, but they do cause painful, itchy welts that can be miserable and psychologically tortuous for those who come into contact with them. To avoid a human resources issue, plan and prepare for an infestation so you are able to respond quickly should the need arise.
Communicate the Risk
Communicate the risk to employees. Post signs and symptoms of infestations in public gathering areas such as kitchens or on the corporate intranet. Ask employees to check for bedbugs in the office, during travel and at home. They should look for living or dead bugs, small bloodstains from crushed insects and dark spots from droppings. These identifiers can be anywhere, from floor boards to walls to carpet. Bedbugs themselves are often found in hidden places, such as cracks or crevices. And while they prefer cloth and wood, bedbugs can adapt to almost any environment.
Take Swift Action
It is crucial to have a plan in place to address a possible infestation. Swift action ensures minimum liability and the least damage to your reputation – think of it as if you are preparing for a pandemic. When an infestation has been confirmed, evacuate the premises and allow a pest control expert to clean and disinfect all areas. Follow the cleaning with a thorough inspection and treatment of the entire facility with a licensed pest control professional.
Using Pesticides
Cleaning, disinfecting and eliminating hiding places are the most effective methods of ridding your facility of bedbugs and other pests. However, many pests are able to live for several months without food and water, so it may be advisable to use a pesticide. To protect the health of employees, work with an exterminator to:
• Choose the least toxic pesticide available that will be effective. Stronger-than-necessary chemicals could harm your employees.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions for pesticide use.
• Advise employees and visitors to stay away from treated areas until the recommended time period has elapsed.
• Treat furniture with pesticide only if necessary and only in small amounts on the seams.
Know Your Liability
For liability purposes, thoroughly document your pest mitigation process, and swiftly resolve all identified infestations. If an employee or visitor does pursue litigation, weigh the cost of settlement against lost business and damaged reputation carefully. An infestation can be ruinous for brand image.
Thankfully, bedbugs are not known to spread disease, but they do cause painful, itchy welts that can be miserable and psychologically tortuous for those who come into contact with them. To avoid a human resources issue, plan and prepare for an infestation so you are able to respond quickly should the need arise.
Communicate the Risk
Communicate the risk to employees. Post signs and symptoms of infestations in public gathering areas such as kitchens or on the corporate intranet. Ask employees to check for bedbugs in the office, during travel and at home. They should look for living or dead bugs, small bloodstains from crushed insects and dark spots from droppings. These identifiers can be anywhere, from floor boards to walls to carpet. Bedbugs themselves are often found in hidden places, such as cracks or crevices. And while they prefer cloth and wood, bedbugs can adapt to almost any environment.
Take Swift Action
It is crucial to have a plan in place to address a possible infestation. Swift action ensures minimum liability and the least damage to your reputation – think of it as if you are preparing for a pandemic. When an infestation has been confirmed, evacuate the premises and allow a pest control expert to clean and disinfect all areas. Follow the cleaning with a thorough inspection and treatment of the entire facility with a licensed pest control professional.
Using Pesticides
Cleaning, disinfecting and eliminating hiding places are the most effective methods of ridding your facility of bedbugs and other pests. However, many pests are able to live for several months without food and water, so it may be advisable to use a pesticide. To protect the health of employees, work with an exterminator to:
• Choose the least toxic pesticide available that will be effective. Stronger-than-necessary chemicals could harm your employees.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions for pesticide use.
• Advise employees and visitors to stay away from treated areas until the recommended time period has elapsed.
• Treat furniture with pesticide only if necessary and only in small amounts on the seams.
Know Your Liability
For liability purposes, thoroughly document your pest mitigation process, and swiftly resolve all identified infestations. If an employee or visitor does pursue litigation, weigh the cost of settlement against lost business and damaged reputation carefully. An infestation can be ruinous for brand image.
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