Genetic Testing in the Workplace - Essay Sample

Introduction

In most job application processes, testing has commonly been used. There is a different kind of testing in this step like skill testing or drug testing. With modern technology genetic testing have been introduced to the employers to detect ant genetic issues that an employee might have. To do this test the employer look for any DNA related diseases that may raise concerns in the future. The company does this to protect itself from damaging factors from the employees in the future. Genetic screening may be beneficial to the company, but it is an invasion of the employees' privacy. This paper will analyze the ethics violated in the case study.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Genetic testing in the workplace is a tool for discrimination against employees with genetic abnormalities. In the workplace, it is unethical to screen a person DNA (Kira, P. 2014). It is because in most cases if there is a presence of any genetic problem, the employes with a face the discrimination fro the employer who will injure the employee emotionally. The employee with the genetic problem will face discrimination from other colleagues for an issue out of his/her control. According to genetic Information Non-discrimination act, it is illegal to request or purchase genetic information concerning an employee which makes it unlawful to genetic test the employees in search of deficiencies or disease tolerance.

Genetic testing in the workplace is unethical. When companies perform genetic screening to their employees, they cause anxiety to the workers and detriment company morale which is highly unethical. It important for the employers to practice safe working environment which is a noble goal to all business enterprises. This can be achieved by eliminating all issues that may cause a divide among the employees like genetic testing (Keim, B. 2008). Although the employers may argue that genetic testing would benefit the workers future by making sure that he/she is well equipped, this does more harm by causing chaos in the working place. Genetic testing does not guarantee a better future because no human can predict what to happen in the future. In our case, it was unethical to test the soldiers with G-6-PD.

Genetic testing in the workplace violates rights of privacy. Every individual health matters should be confidential and autonomous decision making. When the company decides to test an employee's genetics, it violates the person's rights. No individual would wish to be predisposed to a genetic disease so when employers ask for genetic testing this may harm that worker emotionally. Genetic testing should only be exercised only when a person wishes to know his/her genetic status willingly (Kira, P. 2014). The testing should be a personal responsibility buy not a requirement from the employers. Every person including the employees should respect the right of privacy and violating those rights is against the law.

When the boss monitors the employee health, it is morally tenuous and scientifically incoherent. Many people would argue when a boss who is almost a stranger takes an interest in the employee's health it is for the company benefit. This is because an employee would not be able to get anything useful fro commercially available genetic testing. The only reason that the company is performing genetic testing is to find out the risk factors and control them. This test will not be fair to the employer if the genetic status is exploited for catering company welfare. This act is immoral since it doesn't mind the patient welfare when the test is negative. This particular test may drastically change that person's whole life so before it is performed a precaution should be taken. The company should not only focus on the possible risks but also be humane on the subject.

If genetic testing in the workplace will help save the employee life that would be considered fair. In many cases when genetic testing is done in the workplace, it usually is to in favor of the company. But when it is performed to be beneficial to the patient in all fairness that will be a good thing. Some genetic complications can be treated or prevented especially when noticed in early stages (Keim, B. 2008). When the genetic testing is politely performed with the employee's consent and end up saving a person's life no one would judge that as a bad call. Some genetic testing in the workplace like checking if an employee is a health risk when exposed to certain fumes will be beneficial to the employees. This test will prevent any danger from harming the employee therefore essential for survival.

Genetic testing in the workplace as a noble goal. When genetic testing or performed before hiring an employee, it is possible that this particular test will prevent death from occurring in the future. The company is aware of its candidate genetic predisposition will help it determine if the person is fit to do the work without putting him/her ant any death risk. Although the presence of any genetic deformity may cause your application to be rejected, on a big picture, the test might have saved the employee a great deal (Keim, B. 2008). If not performed the person may be exposed to diseases which will end up being fatal. This genetic testing will be beneficial to both the employer and the candidate employees. In this situation, the employers will be catering for the employee by increasing safety which is undoubtedly an ethical goal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the practice of genetic testing in the workplace will reduce a wide range of diseases in society. This is the employers are really an attempt of protecting their workers from unhealthy interactions, or control escalating health threats (Kira, P. 2014). It would benefit many employees and save them from future health risks because we would all argue life is greater than a job.on the other side, genetic testing in the workplace raises many concerns that would pose a threat to the employee's privacy and dignity. Thus, it has unethical, unlawful and socially inappropriate and appropriate when the genetic testing is performed on the workplace. It all depends on the thought behind the test. Whether the employer is looking for their own needs or if it is for the employee's care.

References

Ajunwa, I. (2015). "Genetic Data and Civil RIGHTS". Harvard Civil Rights Liberties Law Review.

Kira, P. (2014) "Fearing Punishment for Bad Genes". NYT. Retrieved March 12, 2017.

Keim, B. (2008) "Genetic Discrimination by Insurers, Employers Becomes a Crime"

Rob, S. (20120. "Scientists See Upside and Downside of Sequencing Their Own Genes".NPR.