Question

Tenants of an apartment building sue the owner by forcing him to repair many defects in the building, which affect the quality of use. The owner's lawyer hires Engineer A to inspect the building and give the report, in support of the owner. Engineer A discovers serious structural defects in the building, which he constitutes an immediate threat to the safety of the tenants. The tenants' suit does not mention these safety-related defects. Upon reporting the findings to the lawyer, Engineer A is told he must maintain this information as confidential as it is part of a lawsuit. Engineer A complies with the request of the lawyer. Describe the responsibility/professional obligations of Engineer A with regards to Rules of Practice IEthics.

Answer 1

Engineering is an important and respected profession. The Engineers are always expected to provide the best standards of work in the respected field they are assigned on. The profession requires skills, knowledge, honesty and equity. They are responsible for all the advancement and convenience that we see, use and experience.

In the given case , the Engineer A should have informed the defects of the buildings to both the lawyer and the owner and should have stepped back from the contract as it was an act of dishonesty. He should'nt have complied with the lawyer as it violates his ethics and moral.

The various responsibilty or the professional obligations and practices of Engineer A with regards to the rules of practices are:-

1) Engineers should keep safety, health and welfare as thier prime objective.

  a) Engineers should approve and forward those engineering plans or documents which conforms the standards of his/her respective country.

b) Enginneers should not associate themselves with any projects or business that engages them in malicious practices.

c) Engineers on any circumstances should never aid any unlawful or illegal practice of engineering by a person or a firm.

d) In case of any alleged violation, the assigned engineer must report that to a higher and appropriate body so that necessary steps could be taken to avert the consequences.

2) Engineers should issue any public statement in a truthful manner.

a) Engineers should be straightforward and honest while publishing any public statements. They should include all relevant informations and fact pertinent to that project.

b) Engineers shall never issue any statements on technical matters that are inspired , manipulated or paid by parties.

3) Engineers shall at all time strive to serve the public interest.

a)Engineers are encouraged to take part in social affairs, guidance to the youth regarding education and career and work for the betterment of the society.

b)Enginners should not complete, sign or approve plans that are not in accordance with the engineering standards.

c) Engineers are should to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in the pursuit to protect the environment for future generations.

4)Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the interests of others.

a)Engineers shall name the person or persons who was individually responsible for the designs, inventions, writings, drawings or other accomplishments.

b) Engineers data, plan , records which were exclusive for the employer's work should not be used for any other project because it is the employer's property.

5) Engineers should be responsible for all the work or projects which were under them and might have to bear consequences if any negligence is detected.

a)Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering.

b)Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or partnership for unethical and malignant acts.