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Tom Irsling works in construction. His company, National Construction, has wonderful benefits and pays him well enough that he doesn't have to work when the weather is bad. He likes the hours and the physicality of the work.

Each year, National requires each employee to have a physical examination done by physicians it hires. This, Tom learned, was demanded by the insurance company with whom his company has contracted for health coverage. Tom didn't mind; it saved him going to his own doctor. This year, after Tom's physical, his foreman called him into the office. He told Tom that his physical had been fine except for his hearing test. The test showed that Tom's hearing was far below the normal. The company wanted him to see a specialist, Dr. Frances.

Dr. Frances explained that Tom's hearing was in the low normal range. The doctor asked him many questions about his job and what he did at home. Tom remembered that his wife and children always complained that he kept the television turned up too loud, but he had never thought much about it. Then the doctor tested Tom's hearing again.

Afterward, Dr. Frances told Tom that the problem probably had developed from the exposure to very loud sounds in Tom's line of work. Often workmen use drills, saws, riveters, and other equipment that are very loud and can damage one's hearing. Tom felt better when Dr. Frances went on to explain that it was possible to keep Tom from losing any more hearing. He told Tom that he should wear ear protectors and said he would contact National Construction and inform them of his findings.

The protectors turned out to be bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable, and Tom wasn't sure if he wanted to wear them. The next day he found out that he had no choice. Tom's foreman handed him the ear coverings and told him that he was required to wear them. Tom didn't like it.

1. What should Tom do? List three possible things?
2. If Tom doesn't want to wear the ear coverings, and doesn't care what happens to his hearing, why should National Construction care?
3. A woman who was working for the CIA was told she had to wear protective head gear because she had epilepsy and might hurt herself if she had a seizure. She sued the organization for the right not to wear the helmet. What argument might she have used in her law suit? What argument might the government have used?
4. Insurance companies have a great deal of control over what is done in the workplace, but should they be allowed to dictate how someone lives? Why or why not?
5. If Tom refuses to wear the protective gear, should National Construction be able to fire him? Why or why not?