22 Questions
What is the primary objective of health and safety in the workplace?
To protect people
Legislating for behavior is a straightforward process.
False
What are the benefits of effective health and safety management in the workplace?
Increased morale, productivity, trust, confidence, and reputation.
The moral argument is also described as, “what a ______________ person would do”.
reasonable
Why might an employer prioritize getting the work out the door over ensuring the health and safety of their workforce?
In the pursuit of profit
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Moral Argument = The premise that everyone wants to do the right thing to ensure no harm Health and Safety = Concerned with protecting people in the workplace Proactive Management = Helps organisations prevent injuries and ill-health Social Responsibility = Caring for the well-being of employees
What can be competing demands in an organisation?
All of the above
All organisations comply with health and safety regulations.
False
What does the Collins Dictionary define morals as being concerned with?
The distinction between good and bad, or right and wrong behaviour, according to conscience or principles of behaviour in accordance with standards of right and wrong
Organisations have a moral obligation to consider the ______________ of their employees.
health, safety, and welfare
Match the following with their definitions:
Morals = Concerned with the distinction between good and bad, or right and wrong behaviour Health and Safety = Regulations to prevent accidents and harm in the workplace Social Responsibility = An organisation's obligation to act for the benefit of society
What can be a barrier to good health and safety standards?
All of the above
Organisations only have a moral obligation to their employees.
False
What do organisations need to balance in order to justify health and safety improvements?
The moral and financial arguments
Who does an employer owe a duty of reasonable care to?
Anyone affected by their activities, including contractors, visitors, and members of the public
It is morally acceptable to put employees at risk in order to make money or achieve business goals.
False
What is the ultimate goal of health and safety regulations?
To prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace
The social attitude to work has undergone a considerable change from previously tolerating poor working ______________________ and conditions.
environments
Why does the media often misrepresent health and safety regulations?
To create sensational headlines and attract attention
Health and safety regulations have led to a significant reduction in accident rates nationally and internationally.
False
Match the following with their corresponding moral obligations:
Preventing accidents and injuries = Moral obligation to employees Providing a comfortable working environment = Moral obligation to employees Achieving business goals = Moral obligation to stakeholders Ensuring suppliers' safety = Moral obligation to contractors and suppliers
What is the moral right of employees and individuals?
To be safe and healthy
Study Notes
Employers' Duty of Care
- Employers owe a duty of reasonable care to anyone affected by their activities, including contractors, visitors, members of the public, customers, and suppliers.
- This duty extends to social and public expectations, and it is morally wrong to put employees at risk or expect them to risk life or limb for the organization's benefit.
Importance of Health and Safety
- It is morally right to prevent and reduce accidents and injuries, including the pain and suffering of employees.
- No one should be at risk of injury, illness, or death, regardless of their work activity.
- The social attitude towards work has changed, and people now expect a comfortable working environment, suitable working hours, and to be free from illness and injury.
Media and Public Perception
- The media often portrays health and safety in a negative light, using "the world gone mad" scenarios, which can undermine the importance of health and safety.
- This negative reporting can prevent events from going ahead and restrict individual liberties, citing health and safety as the cause.
Moral Argument
- The moral argument for health and safety is based on the premise that everyone wants to do the right thing and ensure they or others are not harmed.
- This argument is also described as "what a reasonable person would do".
- The moral thing to do is to ensure suitable provisions are made within each organization to balance the risk of harm with the pursuit of profit.
Benefits of Health and Safety
- Proactive management of health and safety helps prevent injuries and ill-health, leading to increased morale, productivity, trust, confidence, and reputation.
- A successful health and safety program can result in a successful and profitable business.
Justifying Health and Safety Improvements
- To justify health and safety improvements, both moral and financial arguments must be compelling and convincing.
- The moral argument is based on the rights and wrongs of any actions or lack of action, considering the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
- Moral expectations of good standards of health and safety go beyond just responsibilities to employees and consider the broader implications of the organization's actions.
This quiz covers the importance of employers' duty of care to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace, and the moral obligation to prioritize employee safety.
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