Overview
This lecture covers the BCSP Code of Ethics for certified safety professionals, focusing on ethical principles, typical exam questions, professional conduct, and handling ethical dilemmas in workplace safety roles.
Introduction to BCSP Ethics
- Ethics training is required for BCSP renewal, often offered online with CEUs.
- Ethics violations should be reported to BCSP, not confronted directly.
Core Principles of the BCSP Code of Ethics
- Paramount principle: Protect safety, health, environment, and property.
- Be fair, honest, impartial, responsible, and act with integrity.
- Only issue public statements that are truthful, factual, and within your competence.
- Update public statements if new, accurate information emerges.
- Accept work only within your area of expertise and qualifications.
- Accurately represent your professional and academic credentials.
- Avoid conflicts of interest in professional relationships.
Ethical Conduct & Decision Making
- Misrepresenting safety data (e.g., injury rates) is a compromise of integrity.
- Impartiality is a key ethical principle; avoid favoritism or bias.
- Lead by example to promote ethical culture within organizations.
- Demonstrate ethics by maintaining individual professional competence.
Handling Misconduct & Reporting
- Report known professional misconduct to BCSP.
- Do not confront or engage directly with alleged violators.
- Plagiarism includes copying and pasting material without citation.
Certification & Continuing Education
- Maintain required CEUs for certification; request extensions if needed.
- Only list certifications you legitimately possess.
- Report false claims of credentials to BCSP.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Bias
- Act without bias, discrimination, or harassment.
- Provide training in languages understood by employees.
- Discharge for endangering behaviors must follow due disciplinary processes.
Compliance in Multinational Operations
- Comply with specific laws of each country or use the most stringent standard globally.
Recruitment & Community Involvement
- Use blind qualification screening to minimize bias in hiring.
- Engage in civic affairs to advance community health and safety.
- Advocating for safety through participation in local government is encouraged.
BCSP Code of Ethics Applicability
- The BCSP code is required for all certified individuals.
Examples of Unethical Behavior
- Includes conflicts of interest, data falsification, unqualified practice, theft, record mismanagement, and improper gifts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Integrity — Acting honestly, reliably, and with trustworthiness.
- Impartiality — Treating all parties fairly and without bias.
- Conflict of Interest — A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional judgment.
- Plagiarism — Using others’ work without proper citation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the BCSP Code of Ethics.
- Complete any required CEUs or ethics training.
- Prepare for next month’s lecture on workplace violence.