Final answer:
The statement that an employee has a duty of good faith to exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing tasks for an employer is true. This duty involves ethical conduct and adherence to safety standards, parallel to Ross's prima facie duties and OSHA regulations. Non-compliance can result in negative consequences for both employees and employers.
Step-by-step explanation:
An employee's duty of good faith to exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing tasks for their employer is indeed true.
This duty encompasses various responsibilities, including fulfilling one's job duties to the best of one's ability, acting ethically in the workplace, and avoiding actions that could harm the employer or business. Furthermore, employees are also expected to follow all safety and health standards set by regulatory bodies such as OSHA, addressing hazards and ensuring a safe work environment.
These expectations align with ethical principles such as Ross's prima facie duties, which include the duty of fidelity, reparation, gratitude, non-maleficence, and promoting the aggregate good. Employees who ignore these principles by, for example, breaking workplace rules out of complacency, risk facing disciplinary action or even termination.
Additionally, employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment, which can often prevent long-term profit losses and avoid scenarios like the Firestone/Ford tire controversy, which highlighted the consequences of ignoring safety protocols. Employees also have rights including the right to lodge confidential complaints about workplace hazards.