Ethical Issues

Current Ethical Issues Jeffrey Beasley XMGT/216 Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility March 3, 2012 University of Phoenix

Ethical Issues Current Ethical Issues Berrys Bug Blasters is an up and coming Pest Control Company, based out of Dallas, Texas. Each of the pest control workers help to control and remove unwanted rodents, insects, and other pests. These other pests include cockroaches, termites, ants, scorpions, bedbugs, silverfish, and bees as well as rats, mice, and other rodents. In some instances Berrys Bug Blasters pest control workers may also be tasked to remove armadillos or snakes from buildings. The services offered through Berrys Bug Blasters are; a one-time treatment to remove pests, monthly service plans to remove and deter pests from returning, and the sale of chemicals for do-it-yourself customer application.

For new customers who sign on for monthly service, we will offer them a discount of ten percent off for the first three months of service. Many of Berrys Bug Blasters pest control workers travel regular routes. Route workers make scheduled visits to private homes and businesses, such as restaurants and food stores. They return to these places regularly to make sure that pests do not return. Some pests, such as cockroaches and mice, are difficult to eliminate. Pest Control workers use poison or glue traps to control rodents. The use of spray able chemicals can be used to flush rodents from concealment. Once the rodents have been moved from these locations, they work with customers to seal and destroy these hiding spots. Termite exterminators may need to drill holes in basement floors to pump chemicals into the ground under the house. To ensure that termites do not return, foundations may be raised or wood replaced. Sometimes builders may have to be called in for major reconstruction (Bureau of Labor, 2008-09).

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After Identifying what pest has invaded the area Berrys Bug Blasters pest control workers must decide on the best way to eliminate each type of pest. Sprays or liquids work best against some insects. A solid or powder might be most effective against rodents. The method used will also depend on the area that is infested. For example, workers would not use a spray where food is exposed. In some cases, such as in termite control, special drills, spraying equipment, and other machines are needed. Traps and poisoned baits are sometimes used. Pest control workers also inspect buildings for termites and give estimates of how much an extermination job will cost (Bureau of Labor, 2008-09). Berrys Bug Blasters pest control continually strives to meet the highest standards in the industry. Like many other businesses they are faced with many moral and ethical issues on a day-to-day basis. Many of these issues range from proper safety precautions to meeting compliance and regulations standards on a local, state, and federal level as well as many other ethical and moral issues. One of the main ethical concerns facing Berrys Bug Blasters is proper safety precautions, both for employees and consumers. This concern includes proper use of equipment and chemicals such as; wearing protective clothing and masks, following directions for use of chemicals, and properly disposing of hazardous materials. Taking proper precautionary measures, for example properly securing the area and making sure people and pets are out of the affected area. Another important safety precaution would be the proper disclosure of risks to consumers and neighbors regarding chemicals used (Environmental Protection Agency, 2005).

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Another ethical and moral issue faced by Berrys Bug Blasters is using the proper termination or removal methods for each specific pest or rodent. Each employee should be using the proper chemicals or procedures for each specific pest. The employee should also use proper precautions and follow procedures based on each specific environment in which they are tasked, for example the same chemicals would not be used in an outdoor setting that would be used for an indoor task (Bureau of Labor 2008-09). Each employee should also be properly removing larger pests such as snakes and armadillos, and taking proper precautions to not harm the animal in the relocation process (Environmental Protection Agency 2005). The next moral and ethical issue for Berrys Bug Blasters is regarding employee to consumer relations. The most important employee to consumer issue would be properly educating consumers who take advantage of the do-it-yourself option. This can be done by explaining proper safety precautions as well as informing them of the potential risks and hazards associated with each product. Another employee to consumer issue is properly charging the consumer for each product or service. There is also the ethical issue of employees slandering the competition in order to manipulate a customer into using their services. Each employee is also required to disclose any possible structural damage caused by termites or other pest problems. There are also ethical issues in regard to rules and regulations on local, state, and federal governments. There are required training procedures that each employee must complete, and specific training required for certain employees that take on higher risk tasks. Each of Berrys Bug Blasters pest control workers is required to be licensed by the state of Texas in which they perform pest and rodent extermination and or removal.

Ethical Issues There are also regulations on specific types of establishments that require a permit to be obtained before any action can be made by the employee (Texas Department of Agriculture n.d.). As stated previously Berrys Bug Blasters is an up and coming pest control company based out of Dallas, Texas. The company faces many moral and ethical issues which include; employee to consumer relations, employee compliance through government rules and regulations, the proper removal of pests, and proper disclosure to consumers. These issues can be resolved through an in-depth code of ethics and proper training of each employee.

Reference Axia College of University of Phoenix (2003) Virtual Organizations Website. Retrieved March 3, 2012. Retrieved from Axia College, Week six materials section, aXcess, XMGT216 Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009- 2010) Occupational Outlook Handbook: Pest Control Workers. Retrieved March 3,2012. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos254.htm

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Environmental Protection Agency (2005) Citizens Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety. Retrieved March 3, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf.

Texas Department of Agriculture (n.d.) Structural Pest Control Service: Laws and Regulations. Retrieved March 3, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.agr.state.tx.us/spcs/Laws/Lawbook.htm