Tag: process-design

Well it has certainly been a long time since I have blogged. I am hopeful that this latest effort is a turning point towards greater frequency of blogging. However I have always believed there is little point to send things into the blogosphere unless they serve some purpose. In this case we have a big announcement to make.

Check our latest career opportunity for an Investigations Intern click here

Check out the latest edition of FactFinders. In this edition we discuss the value and necessity of a proper process for managing evidence in all investigations. Click here to be directed to the newsletter. 

This month I have donated my upper lip for men's health and the fight against prostate cancer. Traditionally men don't look after their helth needs until it is too late. The reasons for this are numerous and complex but is primarily due to a lack of awareness of the health issues men face. This can largely be attributed to the reluctance of men to openly discuss the subject and the old ‘it’ll be alright’ attitude.

Have you ever wondered how some of the advances in forensic technology have come about? When fingerprints were used for the first time to convict a person of a crime or who invented the polygraph machine (lie detectors)? Check out this article titled The Forensics hall of Fame: 10 Forensic Scientists Who Made History. This is an interesting read and contains some links and other information that may be of interest. Click here for the article.

Check out the latest issue of FactFinders. In this edition we offer some internet tips and tricks for investigators and provide news about Benard + Associates new Ottawa office and our educational offerings. Our goal in publishing our newsletter is to to offer some ideas and thoughts to our clients and colleagues that will promote thought and discussion about the work we do.....and of course self promotion!

The issue of workplace violence continues to make the news. Recently a study titled Workplace Violence and Harassment: A European Picture published by the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work. Agency Director, Jukka Takala stated, “Both violence and harassment represent serious but under-reported threats to the safety and wellbeing of workers in Europe”. There is debate in various countries around the world about the need to legislate obligations for employers to establish programs focused on reduction of workplace violence and harassment.

Workplace conflict and allegations of poisoned work environments can happen anywhere as a recent news story demonstrates. The Human Rights Tribunal in Ottawa, Ontario is currently dealing with allegations from several staff and managers of a toxic workplace and harassment in the workplace. Even in an  organization with a mandate to assist others in resolving conflict the ugly realities of today's workplace can take hold. Nobody is immune from being exposed and drawn in to workplace conflict.

In a 2010 survey completed by the Workplace Bullying Institute it was found that thirty-five per cent of Americans are experiencing workplace bullying firsthand while an additional fifteen percent report witnessing it. Based on the work we do at Benard + Associates these statistics are no surprise. We have observed a steady flow of reported incidents where bullying and harassment are alleged.

On April 27, 2011 Dean will be speaking on the topic of undertaking regulatory investigations and gathering evidence at the 15th Annual Professional Regulation and Discipline Conference held by Infonex.