Final answer:
Employers have an ethical obligation to ensure a safe workplace for employees and to also address broader social, economic, and environmental issues. This includes prioritizing the health and safety of workers over profit and balancing multiple moral commitments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Employers have an ethical obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace, which extends to all their employees. This obligation includes identifying and mitigating risks by creating safer working conditions and improving workplace practices. According to OSHA, measures such as switching to safer chemicals and implementing proper ventilation systems are preferred over relying on personal protective equipment. Training and informing employees about potential hazards are also part of this responsibility.Furthermore, ethical considerations extend beyond the immediate health and safety of employees. Employers must consider their actions in the light of societal ethics, which includes addressing social, economic, and environmental problems. Ross's five prima facie duties inform us of the broad moral commitments that affect business decisions, hinting at obligations not only towards shareholders but also towards the community and environment.In conclusion, employers should actively seek to correct or prevent any workplace injustices or hazards. They should establish ethical practices even in the face of emerging technologies or economic pressures, balancing their focus between profits and the well-being of employees and society at large.