With regard to each of the following cases, first discuss what morality requires

ID: 465939 • Letter: W

Question

With regard to each of the following cases, first discuss what morality requires and then what self-interest requires. Is the answer the same or different?

Bill, a process engineer, learns from a former classmate who is now a regional compliance officer with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that there will be an unannounced inspection of Bill's plant. Bill believes that unsafe practices are often tolerated in the plant, especially in the handling of toxic chemicals. Although there have been small spills, no serious accidents have occurred in the plant during the past few years. What should Bill do?

Explanation / Answer

Bill, a process engineer has to take many tactical decisions to operate the day to day activities. These decisions are to be based on morality and ethics. Modern business principles are giving more stress on value and ethics. That is why aim of business has been shift from profit maximization to wealth maximization. Corporate social responsibility has also been come up. For long term sustenance of business ethics and values are foundation. As per Duty ethics following responsibilities are to maintained by Bill

Duty ethics/Morality

Present scenario in Bill’s company

Remarks

Not to cause pain to others

Not to kill others

Not to deceive others

contribute to the welfare of others/employees

Unsafe practices are often tolerated in the plant, especially in the handling of toxic chemicals

Unsafe practices can cause major accidents and can harm employee. Bill should not tolerate this unethical practice and escalate this to top management immediately.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laws are to be strictly followed

Unsafe acts and practices are allowed in the work place like handling of hazardous toxic chemicals.

Chemical hazards and toxic substances pose a wide range of health hazards. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard ensures the healthy life of employee. Here Bill’s company is directly violating the law though there is no serious accident in last few years. Proactive safety measures approaches are to be taken to ensure the employees healthy life. Bill should implement these measures of safe act immediately as per OSHA’s guide line and. Bill should escalate this issue to top management and also cascade this issue to down the line to stop unsafe acts in work place.

Freedom of everybody is to be ensured

Employees are following the unsafe practices.

It is hard to believe that all employees are unaware about the consequences of these unsafe acts which may leads to disastrous result in future. Bill should allow freedom of speech and take suggestions for process improvement. Safety committee is to be formed and safety policies are to be framed and implemented immediately.

Definitely in Bill’s company self-interest played a crucial role.