Question

Describe a situation where a professional engineer would require the need of a code of ethics. How does applying this code develop and reinforce public trust?

Answer 1

A professional engineer is expected to exhibit highest standards of honesty and integrity. It has a direct impact on quality of life of people. Therefore they must perform under a standard of professional behaviour with code of ethics.

Here is the situation:

Davis, an engineer working in a consulting firm, is appointed by National authority for the survey of sewage pumping into the sea water. The local authorities have already made a clearance by their team of engineers. Davis founds out that the sewage is being dumped into the sea without proper treatment. There is a lot of fishes and plants affected by that. Also, he founds out there is a river flowing into the sea with low streamflow which serves several villages nearby. This sewage dumping is creating problems for the villagers too. According to him, local authorities have given the misleading impression of the effects and have not properly investigated. But, the local authorities harrass him and force him to not to send this report otherwise he will lose his job. Now because of this he may get debarred from his own consulting firm as it may want to sav their own reputation. On one hand, there is a gear of losing his job because of powerful local authorities who are using wrong ways and manipulating people. On the other hand, it is about the safety, health, welfare of the public and environment.

Here comes the need of code of ethics. The first rule of practice is if engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.

Applying code of ethics, engineers are always strive to serve the publc interest and reinforce public trust. They work for the advancement of safety,health and well being of their community. They shall never complete, sign, or seal plans that are not in conformity with applicable standards. They are encouraged to extend public knowledge as far as they don't reveal anything confidential to the client or employer. Their practice should never deceive public. In this way, applying this code develop and reinforce public trust.