Professional Help for Pleasanton and Fremont Area Workplace Investigations

Experienced employment law attorneys look out for your best interests

Eventually, most employers must conduct a workplace investigation regarding one or more employees. Workplace investigations can be a valuable tool for discovering problems before it’s too late. Garcia & Gurney A Law Corporation helps employers and businesses throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties conduct thorough and effective workplace investigations. Our highly skilled lawyers understand the importance of using investigations to iron out any employee issues that threaten to disrupt your operations, workflow and profitability.

Common causes of workplace investigations

Thanks in large part to the media, the word “investigation” conjures up images of hard-boiled detective work and daring heists. But workplace investigations often involve more mundane issues that, despite their lack of drama, can interfere with your business. Listed below are some common causes of workplace investigations in Pleasanton, Fremont and surrounding areas:

Each of the problems listed above requires its own special investigative methods. The investigator you hire to help you must also have substantial knowledge of both state and federal laws. In addition, your investigator must respect the privacy rights of employees, perform a thorough yet timely investigation and be unbiased, committed and focused on uncovering the source of the problem. As employment lawyers and workplace investigators, we are skilled in gathering the evidence and data needed to determine the cause of a given issue.

Federal and state laws that require you to perform an investigation

Depending on the issue your business is facing, you may be legally required to launch an investigation. Failing to do so when one of your employees has notified you about a problem that requires an employer investigation could result in you losing any lawsuits or claims related to the underlying problem. Listed below are some relevant state and federal circumstances that require investigations:

• Job discrimination laws: If an employee complains about discrimination, he or she is protected under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
• Health and safety laws: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) require California employers to provide a safe workplace for employees. If you are informed about a safety issue, you have a responsibility to conduct an investigation.
• Drug-free workplace laws: To ensure that your employees in Pleasanton and its environs are not under the influence of illegal drugs, you are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Department of Transportation drug testing and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• Background and credit checks: State law prohibits employers, with the exception of certain financial institutions, from obtaining employee credit reports. However, there are exceptions to that rule, including job positions involving large amounts of cash or those involving access to trade secrets. For more information, seek help from a knowledgeable lawyer.

Contact an experienced employment law attorney today

Garcia & Gurney A Law Corporation proudly helps California employers conduct thorough workplace investigations. For dedicated help with a labor and employment issue or other business law matter in and around Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, contact us today by phone at 925-468-0400 or online.