A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) workplace violence survey found that more than 50% of the respondents were concerned that workplace violence might occur at their organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 564 work-related homicides occurred each year in the United States from 2004 to 2008. While maintaining a safe workplace is the primary goal of any workplace safety program, many companies, both small and large, fail to engage in a comprehensive background screening program for employees and contractors. Why is background screening so important in screening out potential work-related violence? And, why should current employees and contractors be screened annually?