No Increase in Mass Shootings
Despite several mass killings in recent months--in Seattle, Colorado, and Wisconsin--there is no epidemic of such cases in the United States, says Northeastern University criminologist James Alan Fox. In fact, in over 30 years there has been an average of about 20 mass murders annually (cases in which at least four people have been killed), with an average death toll of about 100 per year. Fox says the clustering of mass murders is nothing more than random timing and sheer coincidence however; the lack of any upward trend should not stop people from trying to find causes and solutions for extreme violence. Fox suggests expanding mental health services and having a serious debate about sensible restrictions on gun sales. He also believes we should all try harder to reach out to those around us who seem to be struggling financially, socially or psychologically. Unfortunately and realistically, these and other initiatives may not prevent or deter the next mass murderer living amongst us. But in the process of trying, we may actually enhance the safety and well-being of thousands, if not millions, of Americans.
To read more, click here Managing Workers' Comp: Workplace Violence Can Put Your Company at Risk
Having a plan in place to help recognize the signs of workplace violence and deal with the aftermath can save lives and money. According to a study by NIOSH, 1 million workers are assaulted and another 1,000 are murdered each year in the workplace. Once employers recognize the warning signs of impending workplace violence and understand the potential triggers — domestic problems, drug and alcohol abuse, termination or disciplinary actions — they need to put a plan into place to protect their employ- ees. Any plan should begin with educating employees, the people most likely to interact on a day-to-day basis with a potentially hostile coworker. It's the employer's responsibility to protect its employees, not only from coworkers, but also from non-employees, such as spouses or disgruntled customers. Employers should be aware that courts are increasingly awarding settlements against employers due to negligence on their part in preventing acts of workplace violence. Therefore, companies need to create written policies stressing zero tolerance for workplace violence. Pre-employment screening and preventive measures such as background checks should be an integral part of the hiring process.
To read more, click here Bad Credit, Criminal Record? Time to Apply for Jobs!
The Society for Human Resource Management released a new survey that shows a decrease in criminal background checks and credit checks in the hiring process. Fifty three percent of employers surveyed do not use credit background checks when hiring, compared to 60% who did use them in 2010. Additionally, 80% of employers who use credit checks have hired someone who had negative things appear on their credit check. When it comes to criminal background checks, approximately two-thirds of organiza- tions reported that they conduct criminal background checks on all of their job candidates. Roughly one-half of organizations conduct criminal background checks to reduce legal liability for negligent hiring (52%) and to ensure a safe work environment for employees (49%). The top two convictions that are very influential in the decision not to extend a job offer are violent felonies (96%) and nonviolent felonies (74%). However, 58% of organizations allow job candidates to explain the results of their criminal checks before the decision to hire or not to hire is made.
To read more, click here WVU Center Receives Millions to Continue Injury Prevention Research
The West Virginia University Injury Control Research Center (ICRC) has been awarded a 5-year grant totaling $4.1 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue as one of 11 such federally funded centers of excellence for injury prevention research, education and outreach in the nation. The ICRC has attracted new researchers and students to the injury field; developed partnerships with injury prevention programs throughout the region; worked to provide policymakers with information on potential safety regulations; and established and addressed center research and prevention priorities. The WVU ICRC was cited by CDC reviewers and officials both for its outstanding contribution to the advancement of injury prevention during the past 5-year funding period and for its innovative proposal for 2012 and beyond.
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