What is the principal ethical reason for supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers?
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ATo protect employees from avoidable injury and harm
BTo cut operational costs associated with accident claims
CTo demonstrate regulatory compliance during inspections
DTo avoid criticism from trade unions
ETo retain eligibility for organisational insurance policies
✓ Correct answer: A. To protect employees from avoidable injury and harmSupplying PPE fulfils the ethical duty to shield workers from foreseeable risks and preventable injury.
Why the other options are incorrect:
• To cut operational costs associated with accident claims: Lowering claims costs is a financial motive, whereas morality demands that individuals are protected from harm.
• To demonstrate regulatory compliance during inspections: Meeting inspection requirements is a legal consideration, not the ethical responsibility that underlies PPE provision.
• To avoid criticism from trade unions: Gaining union approval may be beneficial but is secondary to the moral obligation to prevent harm.
• To retain eligibility for organisational insurance policies: Maintaining insurance eligibility is a financial concern, while the ethical imperative centres on keeping workers safe.
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