Workplace Safety Begins with Smart Hiring Decisions
Over the past 17 years, the MEMIC Safety Net Blog has explored a multitude of workplace hazards and solutions to build safer workplaces. We have shared suggestions to enhance Safety Culture, improve Teamwork, implement Safety Incentive Programs, and strengthen Safety Leadership.
Safe workplaces, however, start with the hiring process. The people you hire and the team you build directly impact your workplace’s safety, performance, and long-term success.
The hiring process, as outlined in MEMIC’s 5 Steps to an Effective Hiring Practice typically includes an application, employment history, verification of qualifications, background checks, driving records, references, and preplacement physical and drug testing. In-person interviews offer deeper insight into applicant’s abilities and their “fit” for the position. According to an article from SHRM, The Real Costs of Recruitment averages about $4,700 per hire but can be three to four times the position’s salary. Hiring is a time and cost intensive process and can place significant strain on employers, particularly small and medium sized businesses.
Unfortunately, these traditional hiring methods can still result in unsafe employees. Pre-screening tools, such as Safer Hire's integrity testing, support the hiring process by identifying “a job applicant’s inclination toward risky behaviors or resistance to safety training.” Mark Walker, Safer Hire Business Development Vice President, explains that “Hiring the wrong person can be costly financially and culturally. That’s why Safer Hire was built: to help employers identify potential risks before they turn into expensive hiring mistakes. By leveraging powerful behavioral data points, Safer Hire equips organizations to make more informed decisions filtering out candidates who may exploit systems or bring a sense of entitlement to the workplace.”
Using a short questionnaire that integrates easily into existing hiring processes, Safer Hire provides behavioral science and predictive analytics to evaluate job applicants for traits linked to safety and reliability. This gives employers key insights to help make informed decisions before a candidate joins the team.
Employers using Safer Hire have reported:
- An average of 42% fewer workplace injuries
- An average of 12% Reduction in dangerous driving behaviors
- An average of 30% reduction in employee turnover
- Improved productivity and safer employee behaviors
MEMIC’s partnership with Safer Hire offers policyholders a discount on pre-screen testing. As Mark notes, “Our goals align closely with MEMIC’s commitment to protecting businesses and promoting smarter workforce strategies. Together, our partnership delivers real value to employers who want to hire confidently, avoid costly missteps, and build stronger, more resilient teams.”
A business’s most important asset is their employees. When employers hire with safety in mind, everyone benefits - from the frontline worker to the bottom line. At MEMIC, we’re committed to helping our policyholders build safer, stronger businesses. Our ongoing partnership with Safer Hire is one way we deliver on that promise.
MEMIC policyholders can register and join us on October 21, 2025, at 11:30 am (EST) for a 30-minute webinar: The MEMIC Difference: Spotlight on Safer Hire featuring Mark Walker, a Safer Hire expert, who will share how the platform works and why it’s making a measurable difference across industries.
Watch for more Webinars in our new series “The MEMIC Difference Spotlight” showcasing the tools and services available to MEMIC policyholders.
Resources:
- MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast: Safer Hire with Mark Walker and Luke Slabaugh
- MEMIC - Workplace Safety/Safer Hire
