Their executive summary stated, “In an increasingly global economy, employers are rightfully placing a premium on the safety of employees and the community. Employers continue to utilize professional background checks at a near universal rate.”

Results from their survey showed that 95 percent of employers perform one or more types of employment background screening. The majority also stated that they screen both part-time and full-time employees, with 86 percent saying they screen all full-time employees and 68 percent including part-time employees in their screening process.

The five most important reasons to background screen according to this year’s survey included:

• Public safety, including protection of “employees, customers, and others”: listed by 86 percent of employers
• Improving quality of hires was listed by 52 percent
• Law/regulation requirements: 39 percent
• Protecting company reputation: 38 percent
• Prevent and/or reduce theft, embezzlement and other criminal activity: 36 percent

Human resource professionals confirmed again in this year’s survey that accuracy in background screening is “very important” (98 percent). The most significant challenges in employment screening also echoed last year’s survey results with “length of time to get results” and “cost of screening” being listed as the biggest challenges for professionals in regards to screening.

Accuracy, turn-around time, and cost are all very important factors when deciding on a screening provider. Make sure that your provider fits with your company’s needs.

Blueline Services offers some of the most comprehensive and customizable screening packages available. We ensure that results will have the quickest turnaround time possible with affordable prices.

To see if we can help you with your screening needs, call us at 888-919-8378 to get a quote.

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Hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and oxycodone are all being added to the new drug-testing panel.

This means that beginning in 2018, all drivers will now be tested for these four commonly abused opioids. Opioid abuse has risen dramatically in recent years, with drug overdose deaths nearly tripling—a large percentage being attributed to opioids, according to CDC statistics.

“Inclusion of these four semi-synthetic opioids is intended to help address the nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse,” the DOT said in its rulemaking notice which will be officially published in the Federal Register on Monday (11/13).

In addition to these four opioids, the DOT will also remove methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) from the existing drug testing panel and add methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

“The opioid crisis is a threat to public safety when it involves safety-sensitive employees involved in the operation of any kind of vehicle or transport,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “The ability to test for a broader range of opioids will advance transportation safety significantly and provide another deterrence to opioid abuse, which will better protect the public and ultimately save lives.”

This ruling will be effective starting January 1, 2018. 

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