LSP 5 Ethics - Discrimination and Affirmative Action - Essay Example

Working Conditions and Associated Risks School; Boise Cascade L.L.C has its Head office in Boise Idaho, USA and Canada too. Its primary business is the manufacture of wood products. It has several departments like many other companies including Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Safety and health, distribution and logistics, and of course the main department which is the core of its existence that is the Engineering and production department.(Boise Cascade) According to the company’s website the employees working conditions are perfect because they have a safety and health department primarily for the purpose of the employees safety in regard to the nature and risk involved on the job.

The most dangerous job at the company is working at the factory. “The wood products industry may be divided into the following sub categories: logging, pulp, paper board mills and saw mills and woodworking”. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration-OSHA). These five processes are equally risky because they involve operating machines and equipment. There are several hazards associated with working in this factory ranging from chemicals used in the processes; machines and equipment when faulty, poor design of work equipment and improper lifting are all common dangers associated with working in factories like this.

Sometimes clothes worn by employees can also be trapped in the machines if not the recommended ones. Occupational noise, dust and heat could also be possible risks. I feel that employees are adequately informed of the various risks involved in working in such environments. Due to government regulations and reforms companies are under pressure to formulate safe workplace policies and make sure all employees abide by the set rules and regulations. The government enforces these laws to companies through the Federal Department of Labor, OSHA.

Employers abide by the set standards and communicate hazards to their employees. They are also required to carry regular training on workplace safety. Working in the wood mills is the most dangerous occupations in the United States according to OSHA with hazards ranging from wiring, static and moving equipment, and components of products being manufactured to occupational noise and dangers of respiratory infections.These risks are acceptable and reasonable as long as proper communication about them is in place and that employees in the company take precaution as required to avoid incidences of work place infections, injury and accidents.

This is because the products made by the company are necessary we need books to write on, we need hand towels, tissue papers, and paper products used to manufacture various products including the money we use. This is among the most important firms in US and the risk is inevitable. Most important is the government to continue enforcing safety standards and employers to work closely with employees to make sure they comply and take responsibility for safeguarding themselves while working. The work place is normally safe today unlike during the industrial revolution where employees worked long hours mostly twelve hours, which in return increased fatigue and high chances of accidents.

Children were also employed in industries and there were no regulations of work. (Schools History).During industrial revolution machines were not covered but now machines have safeguards making them safe to work around. Companies were more concerned about making profits this is not the case now the factors; profits, people and the planet need a proper mix for coexistence.REFERENCES1. Boise Cascade L.L.C web (n.d) available at http://www.bc.com/index.html Retrieved on January 26th 2013.2. United States Department of Labor web (n.d) Wood Products Industry Standards, available at http://www.osha.gov/ Retrieved on January 26th 2013.3. Belinda & Co personal injury solicitors, Common risks of injury in factories or industrial settings Thursday July 1, 2010 at 10:06 p.m. available at www.

balindaandco.com/./Common-risks-of-injury-in-factori..n Retrieved on January 26th 2013.4. Schools History. (n.d) Working Conditions in the Industrial Revolution available at http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/IndustrialRevolution/workingconditions.htm Retrieved on January 25th 2013.