I would like to explore the topic of workplace violence for a moment. A study by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCII) shows that workplace homicide rates dropped by 61% since 1992. Why have these numbers dropped so dramatically? For the most part, criminal laws have not changed that much. Is the world just becoming a better place to live with much nicer people?

Probably not.

In the early 90's background screening firms began sprouting up in the marketplace. Before that time, most companies only conducted background checks on key personnel, such as VP’s, CEO’s, etc. with the help of private investigators and they were considerably expensive. Criminal, public, and credit information became easier to acquire by third parties and the advent of web-based background screening services brought the task of screening applicants directly to the desks of human resources professionals and business owners. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown a 44% decline in combined workplace assaults and homicides during the past 10 years. Is this a result of more secure hiring practices?

Pre-employ.com, Inc. started calling decision makers and signing on clients in 1994 as one of the first web-based background screening firms on the market. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01, the industry exploded as more companies became aware of risk. Most employers conduct background checks now (almost 80% according to the Society of Human Resources Management or SHRM) and the applicants are warned up front. Maybe this act alone keeps criminals out of the workplace.

On another note, workplace violence increased by 13% between 2006 and 2007 and many industry experts say it is due to the stress of the economy. Background checks will be even more important in reducing risks if the economy continues to decline.

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