Many thanks to Drs. Lon Ferguson and Jan Wachter from IUP for their interesting and enlightening presentation on the importance of ethics in the environmental health and safety profession held Feb. 19, 2019. As their introduction mentions, most SHE professionals will likely encounter work situations posing serious ethical dilemmas during their careers. Particularly in our litigious society, the importance of Industrial Hygienists making ethical decisions is paramount in carrying our sworn duties to protect the health and safety of workers and the public from harm.
Defining ethics as a branch of philosophy addressing the values and morals relating to human conduct, their presentation went on to discuss the 4 ethical theories and decision making frameworks used in our society. An excellent chart comparing the ethical principles and character traits used in the professional codes of conduct established by 6 safety and health organizations. Similarities and differences in these “Codes of Ethics for Professional Conduct” were discussed. Copies of the ABIH Code of Ethics were provided listing CIH responsibilities and conflicts of interest. The ethical burdens for EH&S professional including doing what is right vs. doing what is legal were also discussed.
Defining ethics as a branch of philosophy addressing the values and morals relating to human conduct, their presentation went on to discuss the 4 ethical theories and decision making frameworks used in our society. An excellent chart comparing the ethical principles and character traits used in the professional codes of conduct established by 6 safety and health organizations. Similarities and differences in these “Codes of Ethics for Professional Conduct” were discussed. Copies of the ABIH Code of Ethics were provided listing CIH responsibilities and conflicts of interest. The ethical burdens for EH&S professional including doing what is right vs. doing what is legal were also discussed.
To conclude their presentations and aid in our understanding of ethical decision-making, Drs. Wachter and Ferguson provided the group with three real-life case studies for each table to discuss and present their opinions for each case. Some surprises resulted from these discussions as the real consequence of each case was revealed. In my humble opinion, this was one of the best ethical talks I have ever attended . Most of the group agreed with my assessment.
The AIHA Pittsburgh Section would like to thank Pat Carfagna and CSX for hosting the event at their impressive rooftop facility located in the Southpointe Industrial Park. Kudos also go out to Christy Kirsch for helping to organizing the event and delicious lunch provided by by Zoup! of Southpointe.
The AIHA Pittsburgh Section would like to thank Pat Carfagna and CSX for hosting the event at their impressive rooftop facility located in the Southpointe Industrial Park. Kudos also go out to Christy Kirsch for helping to organizing the event and delicious lunch provided by by Zoup! of Southpointe.
