Assignment 1 Discussion: Employee Health And Safety 935509

Assignment 1 Discussionemployee Health And Safety A Global Perspect

Assignment 1: Discussion—Employee Health And Safety: A Global Perspective BANKS Industries is currently operating in both the United States and China. As a US-based company, BANKS is accustomed to conforming to US law regarding employee health and safety. However, Chinese law is different and, in many cases, offers looser standards for employee protection. Using the module readings, the University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following: From a global perspective, should the company operate under the laws that are provided in each country of operation or should it adhere to the higher standard regardless of where it operates? Justify your answer. Is this a legal issue, an ethical issue, or both? Justify your answer. Cite at least one example of differences in health or safety standards that BANKS should consider as it moves forward. Explain why this standard should be considered.

By Saturday, August 8, 2015, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Monday, August 10, 2015, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Write your initial response in 300–500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Do the following when responding to your peers: Read your peers’ answers. Provide substantive comments by contributing new, relevant information from course readings, Web sites, or other sources; building on the remarks or questions of others; or sharing practical examples of key concepts from your professional or personal experiences. Respond to feedback on your posting and provide feedback to other students on their ideas. Make sure your writing is clear, concise, and organized; demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and displays accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of whether a company operating across multiple international jurisdictions should comply strictly with local laws or adopt the highest standards globally is a complex ethical and legal issue that impacts corporate reputation, employee well-being, and legal compliance. This discussion explores the implications of adhering to local versus international higher standards, focusing specifically on employee health and safety in a global context, with reference to the hypothetical case of BANKS Industries operating in both the United States and China.

From a legal perspective, compliance with local laws is mandatory, as companies are subject to the legal frameworks of each country in which they operate. Ignoring local laws can result in legal penalties, increased liability, and potential damage to the company’s reputation. Nonetheless, many multinational corporations (MNCs) voluntarily adopt higher standards to reflect ethical commitments and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Legally, adhering to the more lenient Chinese standards or the stricter US standards depends on the jurisdiction in question. For instance, China’s Occupational Health and Safety Law (OHS Law) has been criticized for its relatively lax enforcement, which can lead to unsafe working conditions (Chen et al., 2017). In contrast, US OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards are often more comprehensive and strictly enforced, emphasizing employee safety as a fundamental right (OSHA, 2020). Therefore, a purely legal approach may compel a multinational firm to follow lower standards in China, but many argue it is ethically preferable to operate under higher standards universally.

Ethically, adherence to higher standards is justified on principles of human rights, corporate responsibility, and sustainability. Employers have a moral obligation to safeguard their employees’ health and safety beyond legal minimums, especially since working conditions in developing countries often pose greater risks due to looser regulations or weaker enforcement mechanisms (Branston & Rao, 2018). By following higher standards globally, companies demonstrate respect for human dignity, promote sustainable business practices, and avoid exploiting weaker regulatory environments for cost savings. An example of the difference in standards is the requirement for protective personal equipment (PPE). US standards demand comprehensive PPE and hazard mitigation procedures, while in some regions of China, PPE enforcement can be inconsistent or insufficient (Li et al., 2019). This disparity underscores the ethical imperative for companies like BANKS to set and adhere to high safety standards consistently across all operational regions.

The decision to follow higher standards is not solely a legal or ethical dilemma but also impacts brand image, stakeholder trust, and long-term operational sustainability. It exemplifies the "ethical leader" approach, where a firm prioritizes employee well-being over minimal legal compliance. Furthermore, voluntarily adopting higher standards aligns with global CSR initiatives and sustainable development goals, positioning the company as a responsible global actor (United Nations Global Compact, 2021). In conclusion, while local laws govern legal compliance, ethical considerations strongly suggest that multinational companies should aim to implement the highest employee health and safety standards feasible across all countries of operation, especially to respect human rights and promote sustainable business practices. Future considerations should include ongoing monitoring of local legal developments and social expectations to ensure ongoing compliance and ethical leadership.

References

• Branston, J., & Rao, N. (2018). Corporate Social Responsibility in Developing Countries. Journal of Business Ethics, 148(2), 251–263.
• Chen, X., Zhang, Y., & Liu, H. (2017). Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Enforcement in China. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 23(4), 516–525.
• Li, S., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2019). Safety Standards Enforcement in Chinese Manufacturing Sector. Safety Science, 120, 247–254.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2020). OSHA Standards and Regulations. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs
• United Nations Global Compact. (2021). Embedding Sustainability and Responsibility in Business. https://www.unglobalcompact.org/