Screening contractors and contingent workers

A Guide To Screening Contractors and Contingent Workers

Whether you’re a business owner in search of a consultant or a school superintendent looking to renovate, you’ll need to find and hire a contractor. Contractors, or contingent workers, follow a unique format of employment that depends on the expectations of those who enlist their services.

Since contractors are hired on a temporary, project-to-project basis, it can be unclear whether they should be subject to screenings like full-time employees. Contracting agencies often run background checks on individuals before they can join the agency. However, it’s impossible to know if those checks match your organization’s screening standards.

If you hire contractors, get in touch with a screening solutions provider that complies with the rights of contractors while still upholding your screening standards. Below we’ll discuss some rules about screening contractors and contingent workers to ensure you find the best contractor for your needs.

How should I handle contractor screening?

In order to decide the best background check process for contractors, think about the nature of your organization and what you expect of each contractor.

Some questions to consider as you outline your contractor screening policy include:

  • Is your organization regulated by any federal or state screening requirements?
  • Will the contractor interact with any vulnerable populations like children or the elderly while working on your property?
  • Could the contractor potentially have access to your organization’s sensitive information?

Determining the level of access a contractor will need and considering your industry’s screening regulations will clarify the kind of background check you should choose for contractors. When in doubt, follow the same screening policy you use for full-time employees. This ensures everyone working for you is screened equally and helps prevent discrimination claims.

What should I look for on a contractor’s background report?

At One Source, we provide simple, efficient contractor screening solutions to help you choose the right contractors for every job. It can sometimes be tricky to determine on your own what a background report really means, but we work with you to take the guesswork out of the entire process.

When you receive a certified contractor report from One Source, you will see if he or she does or does not meet our requirements. This way, you can quickly determine whether to hire a certain contractor. Your project will begin sooner and your organization remains safe with the contractor you choose. That’s just a beginning guide to screening contractors and contingent workers. 

To learn more about One Source’s contractor screening offerings, reach out to the One Source Client Relations Team.