Allowing the crew into the trench without a trench box, in this case, is unethical. It pushes the limits of the ethical codes of conduct wanted from the people and by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The main purpose of regulations in this scenario is to ensure security for the public and employees. Supposing Jerry and his team were not under the regulations of OSHA, he had the ability to get to commence work knowing it would be dangerous. Allowing the crew into the trench would enable the completion of the task within the scheduled time but would be violating the set regulation making it unethical.
The allegation that the safety director selected jurisdiction over cities in Nebraska rather than OSHA is an ethical grey area in this scenario. This implies that if it is true and the body in charge of safety programs regulations does not conform to the regulations set by OSHA, then probably the workers will not take part in the proposed activities.
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This scenario divides my opinion between abiding by the regulations and violating them to do what needs to be done. The task should be completed within the set timeframe but regulations are set for a purpose. In this case, they are set for the security of the workers and the public. Even though the worker that suggested that the task would take thirty minutes was an experienced one and Jerry had done it earlier, it is not right to put the safety of the workers at risk. After all the six hours the trench box would take to arrive at the site would not cause any harm. My take on this case is that Jerry and his team should wait for the trench box regardless of how long it takes. Jerry should just make a call to the authorities to let them know the task will be delayed and give his reasons. I think this is an ethical action to take considering people’s security is involved.
Ethics programs refer to institutional strategies set up to ensure compliance of laws and ethics. For efficiency, these strategies are backed up by communication, procedures and cultural factors ( Valentine & Fleischman, 2008). The value of the ethics program in an institution is that it is responsible for communicating the business doctrines of the institution to vendors, clients, employees, and investors. Ethics program promotes the institutions' reputation through strengthening relationships. Ethics programs provide guidelines for employees and ensure they are followed for security issues. They also train and direct employees on how to take part in ethical decision making efficiently. Even though the workers are acquainted with the institution's codes of conduct, an ethics program ensures each person is on the same line by providing the same information to all and sundry.
A Study by Corcoran and Shackman (2007) indicates that safety programs have an obligation to analyze the worksite, train employees on safety measures and provide means for hazard control and prevention. It provides regulations that should be followed to ensure safety for both workers and the public in general. Safety programs also help in constant supervision to ensure safety measure are in place.
According to Stiffler (2007), the frontline supervisors and employees have an obligation to decide on what is right when faced with dilemmas. They could be having a variety of alternatives and they are required to figure out all the options and decide on the right alternative. While making decisions, it is the responsibility of the frontline supervisors and workers to ensure that they promote accountability, safety, and health. They should also be disciplined and make sure everyone understands their duty in safety measures.
References
Corcoran, D. J., & Shackman, J. D. (2007). A theoretical and empirical analysis of the strategic value of beyond compliance occupational health and safety programs. Journal of Business Strategies , 24 (1), 49.
Stiffler, K. L. (2007). Direct support staff perceptions of frontline supervisor's skills: Correlation with organizational commitment and intent to leave . Capella University.
Valentine, S., & Fleischman, G. (2008). Ethics programs, perceived corporate social responsibility and job satisfaction. Journal of business ethics , 77 (2), 159-172.
