The growing number of women entering traditionally male-dominated industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing has brought renewed attention to the need for thorough employment screening, particularly for sex offenders. Between FY 2018 and FY 2021, the EEOC received 98,411 charges alleging harassment, with 27,291 specifically related to sexual harassment. Notably, 78.2% of these sexual harassment charges were filed by women, who also accounted for 62.2% of all harassment charges. As these industries strive to create safer work environments, it’s crucial to address the increasing risk posed by individuals with a history of sexual misconduct. With court cases resulting in payouts as high as $4 million, the importance of identifying and preventing such risks cannot be overstated. Implementing comprehensive sex offender searches is essential to protecting employees and fostering a safe, inclusive workplace.
A Wake-Up Call for Employers
In 2021, a 14-year-old employee at a popular fast-food restaurant in the Pittsburgh area was sexually assaulted by her manager, who was a registered sex offender at the time, having served prison time for sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl years earlier. Despite his criminal history, he was hired and placed in a position of authority over young employees, leading to devastating consequences.
The incident led to a lawsuit against the franchisee, which ultimately agreed to the multi-million-dollar settlement. The case also fueled a nationwide strike by the popular fast-food chain’s workers, demanding stronger measures to address sexual harassment and violence within the company’s stores.
The Critical Role of Sex Offender Searches
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that sex offender searches play in the employment screening process. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from potential harm, particularly in environments where workers may be at higher risk of encountering individuals with predatory backgrounds.
Sex offender searches are a vital tool in mitigating these risks. By thoroughly screening candidates against national and state sex offender registries, employers can identify individuals with histories of sexual misconduct and make informed hiring decisions. This proactive approach is not only a matter of legal compliance but also of moral and ethical responsibility.
The Growing Role of Women in the Workforce
As the number of women entering male-dominated workforces continues to increase, so will the importance of diligent employment screening practices. Sex offender searches are a critical component of these practices, helping to identify individuals with a history of sexual misconduct before they can cause harm in the workplace.
In environments where women may already face significant challenges, the presence of an individual with a history of sexual offenses can have devastating consequences. As seen in the recent lawsuit against a popular fast-food franchise, failing to conduct thorough background checks can lead to severe harm, both to the victims and the organization. By incorporating sex offender searches into the hiring process, employers can mitigate the risks and create a safer, more inclusive workplace.
Training and Education: Key Components of Prevention
In addition to conducting thorough background checks, it is equally important to provide employees with training on recognizing and reporting sexual harassment and abuse. In this example case, the victim reported that she received no training on how to handle such situations, leaving her vulnerable to predators in her workplace. By offering comprehensive training programs, employers can empower their workforce to identify inappropriate behavior and take swift action to prevent it. This education should be part of a broader strategy to cultivate a culture of respect and zero tolerance for harassment of any kind.
How Can DISA Help?
This example case is a powerful reminder of the consequences that can arise from failing to adequately screen employees. Employers must prioritize the safety of their workforce by consistently incorporating sex offender searches into their background screening processes. Doing so protects employees and safeguards the organization from legal liabilities and reputational damage. DISA Global Solutions is committed to helping clients create safe and compliant workplaces. It's vital that all employers, regardless of industry, take the necessary steps to ensure that sex offender searches are a standard part of their employment screening procedures. Our experts can help you build a comprehensive background screening program to prevent incidents like this from happening and promote a safer working environment for everyone.
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About DISA
Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout North America and Europe, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes drug and alcohol testing, background screening, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.