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Breach of business ethics news story

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Breach of business ethics news story

The media recently highlighted real-world instances of unethical corporate conduct, with

severe repercussions for all parties involved, including businesses, employees, clients,

shareholders, and others. In one such instance, OSHA launched an inquiry into Amazon and

levied fines for alleged safety violations in its warehouses. In this paper, we investigate the

circumstance while looking at the relevant actors and the compromised moral norms. We also

look at preventative strategies to ensure employee welfare and uphold ethical standards in

corporate activities, supported by academic research and Biblical teachings. We highlight the

significance of ethical corporate conduct and sustainable business methods by addressing these

issues.

OSHA is looking into Amazon for breaking warehouse safety laws, which might result in

a significant fine of $60,269 (Clark, 2023). In its citation to Amazon, OSHA accuses the

company of failing to protect workers' safety at three Florida, Illinois, and New York

warehouses. These investigations showed that due to the regular lifting of large items, the

adoption of uncomfortable postures, and the prolonged hours of work required to perform

assigned duties, Amazon's warehouse employees were at an increased risk of lower back injuries

and other musculoskeletal problems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration's review of on-site injury logs, federal safety inspections at three Amazon

warehouse facilities found the company exposed workers to ergonomic, struck-by hazards.

Notably, the Dart rates in New York and Florida, which reflect lost time from work, restrictions

on the job, or transfers as a result of injuries, were three times higher than the industry average of

4.7 injuries per 100 workers.

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After carefully examining the situation and considering ethical standards, it becomes

clear that some ethical norms, such as compassion, respect, loyalty, abiding by the law, and

environmental considerations, have either been abused or disregarded in commercial operations

(Trevino & Nelson, 2021). The company must prioritize the health and safety of its employees

because it is a significant e-commerce company with plenty of resources and knowledgeable

leaders. If the business had been more aggressive in ensuring the welfare of its employees across

all warehouse locations, this terrible situation might have been avoided. The fact that three

different warehouses are being looked into suggests a structural problem with the company. It

may point to a need for more infrastructure to mitigate such hazards.

I am fully aware of the crucial need to implement suitable ergonomics to maintain

everyday job performance and academic pursuits, especially in online schooling, having

personally faced the difficulties of lower back injury and musculoskeletal pain. Given my eight-

hour workdays, ergonomic assessments have given me the tools I need to continue working for

extended periods. Unfortunately, I only became aware of these demands after suffering an injury

in a vehicle accident, which first left me unable to work more than four hours a day and required

me to change jobs to accommodate the comfort and placement of my back. These injuries

significantly impacted my life and forced me to change my life. These accidents can result in

significant setbacks, transfers, and days off from work, highlighting the crucial role that a healthy

back and spine play in enabling our capacities and accomplishments as people.

Implementing proactive measures is crucial to ensuring that all employees adhere to

suitable ergonomics and body motions, effectively preventing injuries to prevent such accidents

in the future and within my warehouse business. Back injuries brought on by repetitive motions

and heavy lifting can be prevented by taking specific measures, such as lowering lifting loads,
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using machines or robots in place of people, using conveyor belts, and using ergonomic

equipment. For instance, standing mats, proper footwear, and back braces can all help you

maintain good posture (Lind et al., 2023). Furthermore, it is wise to limit overtime to avoid

undue strain from repetitive work and to promote regular stretching during breaks with the help

of tools, flip books, and on-site gym facilities. Getting employee feedback on their physical and

mental health is crucial because this information may be used to improve workload distribution

and injury prevention measures. Employees can be encouraged to emphasize safety and help

create a healthier work environment by using lotteries, team challenges, and countdowns on

accident claims to promote a safety-oriented culture.

Whatever the position, location, or size of the company, maintaining high standards of

business ethics cannot be stressed. Regardless of wealth, a blameless road is preferable to

crooked ways, according to Proverbs 28:6 (Bible, 2007). This lesson drives home the point that

even huge, billion-dollar corporations are subject to audits and must abide by local laws,

especially those set by OSHA. All firms should take the repercussions of breaking ethical norms

seriously because they are serious.

In conclusion, the news story about Amazon's warehouse safety infractions emphasizes

how crucial ethical standards are in corporate operations. Serious repercussions for stakeholders

and employees follow violations of ethical standards like compassion, respect, and safety.

Businesses must support employee health and follow ergonomic best practices to avoid such

incidents. Making decisions can be influenced by incorporating Biblical precepts that place a

priority on well-being and justice. No company, regardless of its size, is exempt from ethical

scrutiny, as this instance serves as a reminder. Forging a thriving, ethical business culture that

values stakeholders and staff requires upholding ethical norms.

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References

Bible, H. (2007). New International Version, (Holy Bible). Australia. Author.

Lind, C. M., Abtahi, F., & Forsman, M. (2023). Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the

Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics—An Overview of

Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. Sensors, 23(9), 4259.

Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2021). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do

it right. John Wiley & Sons.

Clark, M. (2023, January 19). Amazon’s OSHA fine for warehouse safety violations could be

about $60K. The Verge. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from

https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/18/23561506/amazon-osha-citations-

ergonomicsstruck-by-pace