INSURANCE CORNER


Standardized Hiring Practices to Help Avoid Hiring Your Next Claim


By Gene Clancy and Jim Colford T


he Bay Area construction boom has led to full employment of local skilled labor and increased


the use of under-skilled labor in an effort to keep up with the market demand. With the ongoing labor shortage,


contractors are forced to decide between lowering standards and hiring inadequately trained workers, or hiring candidates whose resumes show less than ideal work histories. Whether the new hires are experi-


enced or not, unfamiliarity with their new employers’ projects, workplace culture, team, and safety programs can lead to an increase in the number of mistakes and accidents on the job. Tis means an increase in bodily injury and property damage liability, workers compensation, builder’s risk, and automobile insurance claims. How does a Bay Area contractor


find and select the most qualified and affordable workers and avoid hiring the


source of its next insurance claim?  Develop a standardized, compre- hensive, and legally-compliant hiring process. Ensure your hiring policy is clearly documented, from interviews to references and background checks, and is consis- tently applied to all applicants.


 Safeguard your workplace with background checks. Background checks should be performed on all candidates who will be hired to ensure they don’t have a criminal


Continued from page 24 Te AGC Construction Education


Foundation will offer nearly a dozen educational sessions for attendees to choose from during the conference, presented by leading industry experts. Six student/CLC seminars will also


www.AGC-CA.org


record or other problematic behavior. If something turns up in the course of the background check that causes you to rethink your offer, the job candidate may have a reasonable explanation. If the candidate’s background is clean, you have documentation that you’ve done your part if there’s trouble down the road.


 Clearly state company policy on workplace accidents and post- accident drug testing. Your company policy should distinctly state your plan of action after an accident occurs. Tat way, your employees are aware and prepared for your Post-Accident drug testing process. Most importantly, your policy should stay compliant with your state and federal laws. Essentially, a well thought out and inclusive policy will explain, why a Drug and Alcohol Policy is in place, all circumstances that subject one to testing, what specimen is required for testing and what disci-


84% of employers continue to derive significant benefits from background checks, with 53% seeing better quality hires.


Source: HireRight Employment Screening Benchmark Report 2018


be offered at the conference covering a broad array of topics. In conjunction with the


Conference, AGC of California will hold its prestigious annual 2018 Awards Night on Saturday, October 27. Te AGC Safety & Health Council will also hold its 2018 Safety Awards


Gene Clancy Jim Colford


plinary actions will be taken when tests are failed. Because employment law is in flux,


with ongoing developments in case law and in federal, state, and local legislation, it’s crucial that employers develop relationships and consult regularly with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance and avoid pitfalls. Finding ideal candidates and


avoiding claims isn’t guaranteed, but the odds of success improve when employers dedicate themselves to implementing practices such as iron-clad hiring policies, thorough background checks and universal post- accident drug and alcohol testing. 


Gene Clancy is a Vice President with


Alliant Insurance Services in San Jose, CA. His practice focuses primarily on workers’ compensation program consulting and placement. Jim Colford is a Claim Advocate – Lead with Alliant, special- izing in auto and general liability claim management and oversight. Tey can be reached at (408) 352-6700, or visit online at www.alliant.com.


of Excellence luncheon during the conference on Friday, October 26. For more information or to register


for the AGC of California 2018 Annual Conference or any of the special events or awards programs, visit AGC online at www.agc-ca.org or call (916) 371-2422. 


Associated General Contractors of California 25


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