Unfortunately, workplace violence has become an increasing concern in recent years. Recent history has shown that threats, statements about violence, and other deviant actions often proceed violence. When concerns arise about potential for violence in the workplace, a prompt assessment of dangerousness can reduce the likehood of violence in the workplace, facilitate the employee receiving appropriate treatment, and contain legal liability. Fitness for Duty Evaluations Work performance issues occur in every workplace, and behavioral health problems account for a significant portion of these. When this is the case, discipline usually is relatively ineffective.
Employees have periods of less than ideal performance for a variety of reasons.
When an employee demonstrates significant deterioration from his or her usual baseline or when there is a question regarding an employee's fitness for duty, an independent evaluation can often be quite useful. A Fitness for Duty evaluation can assist management in identifying who needs help, help employees get help they would not seek on their own, and often can result in a healthier, more productive employee. Disability Evaluations Disability claims based on emotional or behavioral grounds can be among the hardest to objectively evaluate. In particular, stress-related disability claims have risen dramatically in recent years. When these claims are legitimate, the employee needs and deserves help and usually can return to productive employment with appropriate treatment.