Lecture 27 Ethics Flashcards
(16 cards)
What ancient legal code first demonstrated responsibility for harm caused by poor construction?
The Code of Hammurabi (e.g., a builder could be put to death if a poorly built house collapses and kills the owner).
What biblical law emphasized building safely to prevent harm?
The Law of Moses, specifically Deuteronomy 22:8, which requires a parapet on rooftops to prevent falls.
What philosophical quote reflects the nature of ethics in EHS?
“In a practical science, so much depends on particular circumstances that only general rules can be given.” – Aristotle
What 5 elements should be considered when making ethical choices?
Ethics, knowledge, standards, guidelines, and experience (of self and others).
What is the “Sword of Damocles” metaphor used to describe?
The weight of responsibility and constant risk that professionals in EHS often face.
What is one key principle from the AMA Code of Ethics?
Physicians must be dedicated to competent, compassionate care and uphold professional standards with honesty and respect.
According to the APHA Public Health Code, what should public health prioritize?
The fundamental causes of disease and conditions for health, and empowering disenfranchised communities.
What are examples of ethical obligations from the BGC-AIHA-ACGIH code?
Avoiding conflicts of interest, delivering competent services, protecting confidentiality, and maintaining professional integrity.
In the “PCBs in Paint” case, what ethical questions must be asked?
Whether you inform others about the PCB presence and whether further action is ethically required despite partial remediation for lead.
What is the ethical concern in the “Noise Exposure” case?
Whether to follow OSHA’s or NIOSH’s exposure criteria and what level of protection to communicate to workers.
What should you do if you discover a colleague is using a fraudulent PhD credential for professional gain?
Ethically, confront the behavior and consider reporting it due to professional misrepresentation and potential harm to public trust.
Why is it important to assess filtration efficiency in protective equipment?
To ensure the respirator chosen is appropriate for the particle size of the hazard (e.g., B. anthracis or viruses).
What is an ethical consideration in rationing PPE like N95s or ventilators?
Ensuring fair allocation and prioritizing based on need, exposure risk, and public health benefit.
What are the top three types of ethical misconduct observed (1994 survey)?
- Overstating positive and understating negative results (36%)
- Not reporting incidents (30%)
- Failing to share credit (26%)
What are key ethical values emphasized in this lecture?
Truthfulness, transparency, accountability, objectivity, and public trust.
What is the meaning of the quote by Thomas Paine shared in the lecture?
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it the superficial appearance of being right” — warns against becoming desensitized to unethical behavior.
