As we approach the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28^th of April, South African organisations must reflect on the strategies that ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all their employees.  

A significant yet often neglected or overlooked strategy for workplace safety is ensuring the right people are employed in the first place. People who are safe and good to work alongside. With growing pressure to maintain high safety standards and improve workplace culture, the role of effective vetting cannot be understated. 

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) initiated World Day for Safety and Health at Work to promote safe and healthy working conditions globally.  

In South Africa, where all industries face unique risks and challenges, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is paramount.  

According to the Department of Employment and Labour, occupational injuries and fatalities are significant concerns, highlighting the need for robust health and safety practices. It’s important to note that employee screening plays a crucial role in safeguarding the workplace by preventing individuals with potentially harmful backgrounds from being employed, thus protecting employees from working alongside criminals or people with a history of untrustworthy behaviour.  

Thorough background checks can reveal criminal records, previous employment issues, or patterns of misconduct, enabling employers to make informed hiring decisions and foster a safe environment where employees can feel secure and focus on their roles without the risk of harmful influences or threats from within. 

Another critical area to consider is the damage the wrong employees can do to the company’s reputation:  

Hiring individuals with questionable backgrounds or intent can lead to workplace incidents that harm employees, customers or the organisation itself. Organisations can protect their reputation, operations and brand integrity by implementing effective background checks that foster stakeholder trust. 

Jenny Reid, Founder of iFacts, was asked how companies should implement an effective employee screening policy, with health and safety at the forefront. Reid stressed that having clear and transparent employee screening policies approved by all relevant departments was essential. The policy should also be aligned with the risk profiles of each position. 

Reid said that while considering pre-employment checks, -such as criminal record checks, employment history verification, reference checks, skills assessments, integrity tests, qualification verifications and social media risk assessments– it was also necessary to implement ongoing monitoring and periodic re-screening checks to enhance the organisation’s ability to maintain a safe work environment throughout an employee’s tenure. 

It is recommended thatHR personnel and hiring managers undergo training on the importance of background checks and how they contribute to workplace safety, as well as understand the purpose of each of the various checks. Empowering staff with knowledge will enhance policy adherence and promote a safety culture. 

As South Africa acknowledges World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it presents the opportune moment for organisations to reassess their practices surrounding workplace safety and possibly introduce new or different background checks that could play a vital role in promoting a secure environment, reducing risk, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability.  

By prioritising these checks in the hiring process, companies can significantly contribute to the health and safety of their workforce, ultimately leading to a thriving and resilient workplace. 

Let all of us commit to ensuring a safer and healthier working environment—not just on this day, but every day. 

By implementing effective background screening practices, organisations can protect their employees, enhance workplace culture, and comply with safety regulations, paving the way for sustained success.