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NEWS RELEASE

Preventing Employee Lawsuits: "Corporate Cops" Pit Stronger Muscle Against Violence and Crime

Mogoadore, Ohio-At Ohio Gasket and Shim Company, an anonymous letter told Thomas Bader his employees were using drugs at work. The hair prickled on his neck. As vice president, Bader knew the metal stamping firm could lose millions in government contracts unless they were drug-free.

So he called in the big guns-a workplace consultant with law enforcement background.

Ex-narcotics agent Timothy Dimoff, president of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc., says workplace specialists give companies critical leverage against problem employees.

"Pre-employment and prevention safeguards are increasingly necessary, but they exceed the average company's capabilities," says Dimoff. "Companies are being fleeced," he adds, noting costs of $10,000 per employee to repair drug abuse fallout.

SACS arranges security, surveillance, background checks, policies, training, drug testing and espionage. SACS joined with hair test experts Omega Laboratories, Inc. and six safety and security consultants as a one-stop HR resource. Dimoff's "Golden Nuggets" on his www.sacsconsulting.com website offers additional news and advice.

The American Foundation for Drug Prevention says 65 percent of all on-the-job accidents are linked to substance abuse, and substance abusers are five times more likely to file for workers' compensation or become injured off the job. Dimoff says companies invest $7,000 to $35,000 in new employees. "That's what they'll lose just in that first year if they choose employees poorly.

HR consultant Denise Tarka says federal laws demand legal eagle, human resource whiz and law enforcement savvy. Mandates like sexual harassment, affirmative action, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC can strain even the largest HR department's capabilities.

Cleveland attorney and workplace specialist Louis Licata warns that, "The newer the issue, the more room for interpretation, and the more likely the employer will make a mistake without appropriate direction from professionals."

Corporations lose 64% of discharged employee litigation cases. Dimoff claims SACS can reduce it to less than 5%. For every dollar a company spends on consultation, a SACS can retrieve $7 to $15, he says. Dimoff's company uses these standard practices: Consistent pre-employment testing (drug tests, background checks); limited access doors and specific rules for the physical environment; clear, comprehensive, custom-created policies and manuals; management training in crime/drug/behavior, and consistent policy enforcement methods.


CONTACT:

Timothy A. Dimoff, pres. SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc.
330-255-1101 Fax: 330-255-1135

Note: Magazine version available upon request.