Author: csdesign

A Closer Look at DNA Profiling

Written by csdesign on July 28, 2015. Posted in DNA / Paternity Testing.

Every person is born with the unique genetic blueprint commonly referred to as DNA. This genetic code is inherited from the biological mother and father, so DNA identification is a conclusive way to determine biological relationships. As a result, DNA testing has become the most accepted method for determining someone’s identity within the legal and scientific communities.

Reasons for DNA test

There are numerous reasons someone may request a DNA test, including custody purposes, visitation rights, or child support. Grandparents may also request DNA profiling to verify the identity of their grandchildren. Additionally, adoptees may seek DNA profiling to identify their biological family members or to verify their relationship to the deceased to ensure rightful inheritance. Twins can also use DNA profiling to determine whether they are identical or fraternal.

Accuracy of DNA profile

To ensure accuracy of the DNA profiling process, it’s important to work with a quality screening service. At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, our technicians have teamed with leading American Association of Blood Banks Accredited DNA laboratory to provide our DNA testing. Additionally, our lab is fully accredited and our DNA profiling results are recognized and accepted throughout the country. We also run all DNA tests twice, immediately dividing the sample into two for a unique Dual Process.

Process of DNA profiling

The DNA profiling process begins with collecting a sample from the mother, the child, and alleged father. Single parent and child testing is also possible, so it may not be necessary to collect DNA from the mother. Technicians utilize a simple, non-invasive Q-tip swab to collect a sample from the inside of the mouth. This is a simple, painless way to collect cells from the cheeks inside the mouth. After collection, the cells are sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

For more information about DNA profiling, contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532. Our goal in Arizona drug testing is to minimize our clients’ risk through smart, streamlined business solutions. We will work with you to develop and implement professional and cost-effective programs to help you safely meet your business objectives.

Ensuring Your Employee Drug Testing Program Is Ethical

Written by csdesign on July 15, 2015. Posted in Drug Free Workplace, Drug Testing.

Mandatory drug testing of Arizona employees is highly controversial, as many believe it is an unnecessary expense that can result in unwarranted job loss. Others believe employee drug testing helps protect the work environment from drug-impaired workers. Regardless of your viewpoint on workplace drug testing, it’s important to ensure the entire process is ethical and safe for your workers.

Privacy

Many critics of workplace drug testing cite a worker’s right to privacy in their argument. Critics argue that if an employer asks an employee to submit to a drug test, which indicates the employee consumed the substance the previous night, this is not relevant to the work environment. The employee chose to consume drugs on his or her own time but is not under the influence of drugs while at work. Critics of employee drug testing argue that it’s an invasion of privacy for employers to inquire as to how an employee spends time away from work.

Fairness

Drug testing proponents argue that an employee’s behavior away from work does impact his or her work performance. As a result, proponents argue that impaired employees shouldn’t be paid the same wage as those who work to their full capacity. At the same time, mandatory drug testing does impact employee morale, as some employees view the process as authoritarian action.

Safety

Supporters of mandatory drug testing programs also cite concern for workplace safety. For example, a truck driver puts the lives of innocent people at risk if he or she drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the driver causes accidents or injuries while at work, the employer can be held liable for the damages. Mandatory drug testing helps alleviate this risk of liability.

Oschmann Employee Screening Services is a national provider of drug and alcohol testing programs and DOT compliance services. We have been a national leader in developing, managing and servicing Drug Free Workplace Programs since 1996. If you would like to learn more about Arizona drug testing for the workplace, you can reach us at (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532.

Dealing with Employee Refusals for Drug Tests

Written by csdesign on June 30, 2015. Posted in Drug Free Workplace, Drug Testing.

Employee drug testing is a common practice to ensure employee safety and integrity. Many companies require drug testing as part of the hiring process, while a drug test may also be ordered at random or following a questionable incident. If your business employs any type of drug testing policy, it’s important to also have a policy in place to deal with an employee refusal to submit to drug testing.

State Law and Company Policy

The best way to handle employee drug testing is to draft a clear company policy regarding drug testing, how and when it will occur, and what will happen if employees refuse a test. In most cases, companies that do not have an existing policy for drug testing and refusals must default instead to state laws regarding drug test ordering and how to deal with employee refusals. However, it’s important to note that even if you do draft a company policy, it should not conflict with any state laws regarding employee rights to refusal of drug testing in a given situation.

Reasons for Drug Testing

In addition to establishing a company policy on drug and alcohol usage, it’s important to include a clear list of reasons for ordering a drug test in your company policy. If you choose to implement a random drug testing program, outline the percentage of employees that will be tested within a given time period. You should also list the behaviors that will prompt a reactionary drug test, such as recklessness, difficulty completing daily tasks, and changes in personality. Once you have made the reasons you might order a drug test clear, you can also make clear the repercussions of refusing such a test, which is often grounds for termination.

Are you looking to begin a drug testing program in your Arizona workplace? Please contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services today by calling (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532 for the professional assistance you need for convenient and accurate drug and alcohol testing. You can also find out more about the benefits of a drug-free workplace when you visit us online.

Tips for Choosing an Employment Background Check Service

Written by csdesign on June 16, 2015. Posted in Background Screenings.

Prior to hiring any employee, it’s recommended to perform a thorough background check. This information will help you make the right decision when hiring employees with whom you work and must trust with your business’ profits and success every day. Oschmann Employee Screening Services is pleased to offer employee background screening services in Arizona, including motor vehicle reports, Social Security number tracing, and county, state, and federal criminal checks.

Range of Service

There are a number of background checks available, including motor vehicle records, criminal records, Social Security records, and worker’s compensation records. When selecting an employment background check service, you want to ensure you hire a company that provides the range of background check options you need. If your employees will be handling vehicles, for example, you’ll want to make sure you hire a background check service with experience obtaining motor vehicle records. The larger the range of services a company provides, the more likely they’ll be have the ability to meet your needs today and in the future.

Legal Compliance

When performing a background check on any employee or potential employee, it’s still essential that you respect and observe the individual’s rights at all times. Thus, you want to ensure your background check service similarly observes all laws and regulations regarding individual privacy and pursues avenues for obtaining background information via legal means. Make sure any service you hire has a clear policy for following legal requirements, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and can provide you with clear and accurate records outlining how and when background information was obtained.

At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we can help you ensure customer safety and employee integrity with complete background screening options and drug testing services in Arizona. We invite you to stop by our website for more details about our services, or call (520) 745-1029; you can also reach us toll-free at (800) 224-8532.

What Goes Into a Pre-Employment Background Check?

Written by csdesign on May 25, 2015. Posted in Background Screenings.

When interviewing job candidates, employers must weed through exaggerated credentials and misrepresented information to avoid the legal threat of negligent hiring. One way for an employer to obtain information on a potential employee is by obtaining a pre-employment background check. This screening provides information on a candidate’s criminal history and helps verify information the candidate provides on a job application, such as his or her Social Security number.

Motor vehicle report

Obtaining a motor vehicle report helps an employer assess a job candidate’s driving records, including his or her commercial driving license status for up to seven years. This report also lists all traffic infractions, including charges for DUIs. Even if the job candidate has moved, pre-employment background checks can pull reports from all 50 states. This type of information is essential for employers looking to hire someone to drive a company vehicle or to drive a personal car for company use.

County-level criminal search

An employer can easily determine whether or not a job candidate has a criminal record by obtaining a county-level criminal search. These reports contain information on any felony, misdemeanor or offenses at the county court level. Usually, a background service company will pull county-level criminal reports from counties where the job applicant is most likely to have such information, such as current and former counties of residence.

Social Security number trace

The first step in verifying that a job applicant has provided accurate information is by running a Social Security number trace. This trace obtains a list of current addresses, previous addresses, as well as other names the applicant has used before. The trace also verifies the applicant’s Social Security number by providing the state and date range of issuance. As such, it is the first step in profiling a potential employee.

Since 1996, Oschmann Employee Screening Services has led the nation in developing, managing, and servicing Drug Free Workplace Programs. In addition to offering pre-employment background checks, we offer drug testing in Arizona. For more information, please call (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532.

Understanding the Reasons for Employee Drug Testing

Written by csdesign on May 11, 2015. Posted in Drug Free Workplace, Drug Testing.

According to local, state and federal laws, private employers can implement workplace drug-testing policies. In fact, federal agencies sometimes assist employers in implementing such policies to ensure a drug-free work environment. If an employer is interested in drug testing in Arizona, he or she should draft a written policy that educates employees on the requirements for maintaining employment with the organization.

Safety

For most employers, ensuring workplace safety is the major reason for implementing an employee drug-testing program. When an organization requires its employees to operate heavy machinery, work with consumers, or do manual labor, it needs to ensure the safety of everyone involved. By drug testing job candidates and random drug testing current employees, employers can help protect the general public’s safety. Employee drug testing also enhances consumer confidence that employees are working coherently.

Regulations

State and federal regulations actually require drug testing in certain work environments. For example, the United States Department of Transportation requires drug testing for employees working in transportation industries. Other work industries that may require drug testing include health care and education. However, each state is responsible for regulations in these industries. Even if drug testing isn’t required in a certain industry, some organizations administer drug testing to illustrate their integrity. Drug testing ensures the public that they can rely on their employee’s performance and professionalism.

Worker’s compensation

In some states, employers who comply with drug testing regulations can receive discounts and additional workers’ compensation benefits. Several health care insurance providers also grant group benefit discounts when employers have workplace drug testing policies. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of the benefit programs. Additionally, at least 30 states have laws making employees who violate workplace drug policies ineligible for unemployment compensation.

To learn more about workplace drug testing in Arizona, please contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (520) 745-1029 or (800) 224-8532. We are a national leader in developing, managing and servicing Drug Free Workplace Programs. Our goal is to minimize client risk through smart, streamlined business solutions.