ENGINEERING

ETHICS
Engineering ethics is the study of the moral principles that apply to the
practice of engineering. It is a field of applied ethics that examines and sets
the obligations by engineers to society, to their clients, and to the
profession. Engineering ethics is closely related to subjects such as the
philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering, and the ethics of
technology.
 • In the 19th century, engineering
rose as a distinct profession.

• Engineers saw themselves as

either independent professional
practitioners or technical
THE RISE OF ENGINEERING employees of large enterprises.
ETHICS
• There was considerable tension
between the two sides as large
industrial employers fought to
maintain control of their
employees.
• In the 19th century, engineering rose as a distinct profession.
Engineers saw themselves as either independent professional
practitioners or technical employees of large enterprises. There was
considerable tension between the two sides as large industrial
employers fought to maintain control of their employees.
 THE FOUNDING
ENGINEERING SOCIETY
In the United States, growing
professionalism gave rise to the
development of four founding
engineering societies:

• The American Society of Civil Engineers

(ASCE) (1851)
• The American Institute of Electrical
Engineers (AIEE) (1884)
• The American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) (1880)
• The American Institute of Mining Engineers
(AIME) (1871)
• ASCE and AIEE were more closely identified with the engineer as
learned professional, where ASME, to an extent, and AIME almost
entirely, identified with the view that the engineer is a technical
employee.
• Even so, at that time ethics was viewed as a personal rather than a
broad professional concern.
• In the United States, growing professionalism gave rise to the
development of four founding engineering societies: The American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) (1851), the American Institute of
Electrical Engineers (AIEE) (1884), the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) (1880), and the American Institute of Mining
Engineers (AIME) (1871). ASCE and AIEE were more closely identified
with the engineer as learned professional, where ASME, to an extent,
and AIME almost entirely, identified with the view that the engineer is
a technical employee. Even so, at that time ethics was viewed as a
personal rather than a broad professional concern.
 • A series of significant structural
failures, including some
spectacular bridge failures,
forced the profession to
confront shortcomings in
technical and construction
practice, as well as ethical
The Rise of Ethical Concerns standards.
Examples:
• Ashtabula River Railroad
Disaster (1876)
• Tay Bridge Disaster (1879)
• Quebec Bridge collapse (1907)
A series of significant structural failures, including some spectacular
bridge failures, forced the profession to confront shortcomings in
technical and construction practice, as well as ethical standards.
Examples include the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster (1876), the
Tay Bridge Disaster (1879), and the Quebec Bridge collapse (1907).
These failures had a profound effect on engineers and forced the
profession to confront shortcomings in technical and construction
practice, as well as ethical standards.
Concerns for Professional Practice and Public
Safety
• A series of significant engineering failures, including the Ashtabula
River Railroad Disaster (1876), the Tay Bridge Disaster (1879), the
Quebec Bridge collapse (1907), and the Boston Molasses Disaster
(1919), highlighted concerns for professional practice and protecting
the public. These failures led to the movement for mandatory
engineering licensure to ensure that only qualified professionals could
practice engineering.
The Rise of Engineering Licensure
• In response to engineering failures, the need for formal credentials to
practice engineering arose.
• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure became a requirement in
many jurisdictions.
• PE licensure typically involves meeting education, experience, and
exam requirements.
• In the wake of engineering disasters, the concept of
requiring formal credentials to practice engineering
gained momentum. Professional Engineering (PE)
licensure became a mandatory requirement in many
jurisdictions, including the United States and Canada.
PE licensure typically involves meeting specific
education, experience, and examination requirements
to ensure that only qualified individuals can offer
engineering services to the public.
The "Confession
of the Engineers"
• In 1950, the Association of
German Engineers developed
the "Confession of the
Engineers" oath.
• This oath acknowledged the role
of engineers in the atrocities of
World War II.
• It served as a reminder of the
ethical responsibilities of
engineers.
• In 1950, the Association of German Engineers issued
the "Confession of the Engineers" oath, a significant
document that directly addressed the involvement of
engineers in the atrocities of World War II. This oath
served as a stark reminder of the ethical
responsibilities that engineers hold and the potential
consequences of unethical engineering practices.
The Canadian and US Models of Licensure
• The Canadian model requires licensing for all engineers working in
fields that pose risks to public safety, health, property, and the
environment.
• The US model generally requires licensing only for practicing
engineers offering services that impact public welfare, safety, and
health.
• This difference has perpetuated a divide between professional
engineers and those in private industry.
• The Canadian and US models of engineering licensure differ in their
scope. In Canada, all engineers working in fields that could pose risks
to public safety, health, property, and the environment must be
licensed. In the US, however, licensure is generally required only for
practicing engineers offering services directly impacting public
welfare, safety, and health. This difference has led to a division
between professional engineers and those working in private industry
without direct public offerings.
• Professional engineering societies have adopted generally uniform codes of
ethics.
• These codes outline the ethical principles that guide engineers in their practice.
• Examples include the NSPE Code of Ethics in the US and the Engineers Canada
Code of Ethics.
Many professional engineering societies have adopted codes of ethics that provide
guiding principles for their members. These codes address topics such as safety,
competence, honesty, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. Examples include
the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics in the US and
the Engineers Canada Code of Ethics. By adhering to these codes, engineers can
help to ensure that their practice is ethical and responsible.
Recent
Developments
in Engineering
Ethics
• In this presentation, we will explore some recent developments in
engineering ethics. We will begin by discussing the importance of
ethical conduct in engineering, and then we will look at some specific
examples of how engineers are working to promote ethical practice.
The Importance of
Ethical Conduct in
Engineering
• Engineering is a profession that
has a significant impact on
society.
• The decisions that engineers
make can have a profound effect
on the safety, health, and well-
being of others.
• It is therefore essential that
engineers act ethically and
responsibly.
• Engineering is a profession that deals with the design, construction,
and operation of machines, structures, and systems. The decisions
that engineers make can have a major impact on the safety, health,
and well-being of others. For example, an engineer who designs a
bridge that is not strong enough could put the lives of many people at
risk. It is therefore essential that engineers act ethically and
responsibly. This means that they must consider the potential
consequences of their actions and make decisions that are in the best
interests of society.
William LeMessurier's
Response to Design
Deficiencies
• William LeMessurier was the
structural engineer for the
Citigroup Center in New York City.
• After construction was completed,
it was discovered that there were
serious design deficiencies in the
building.
• LeMessurier could have ignored
these deficiencies, but he chose to
come forward and report them.
• His actions helped to prevent a
potential disaster.
William LeMessurier was the structural engineer for the Citigroup
Center in New York City. The Citigroup Center is a 57-story skyscraper
that was completed in 1977. After construction was completed, it was
discovered that there were serious design deficiencies in the building.
These deficiencies could have led to the collapse of the building in high
winds. LeMessurier could have ignored these deficiencies, but he chose
to come forward and report them. His actions helped to prevent a
potential disaster. LeMessurier's response to the design deficiencies at
the Citigroup Center is often cited as an example of ethical conduct.
Professional Societies
and Chartering
Organizations
• Professional societies and
chartering organizations play an
important role in promoting
ethical practice among
engineers.
• These organizations develop
codes of ethics and provide
guidance to their members on
how to act ethically.
• They also offer educational
programs and resources on
engineering ethics.
Professional societies and chartering organizations are groups that
represent engineers. These organizations play an important role in
promoting ethical practice among their members. They do this by
developing codes of ethics, which are sets of guidelines that outline the
ethical responsibilities of engineers. They also provide guidance to their
members on how to act ethically in specific situations. In addition,
professional societies and chartering organizations offer educational
programs and resources on engineering ethics. These programs and
resources can help engineers to understand their ethical obligations
and make ethical decisions.
The Canadian Iron Ring
and American Order of
the Engineer
• The Canadian Iron Ring and
American Order of the Engineer
are two organizations that
promote ethical practice among
engineers.
• Both organizations require
members to swear an oath to
uphold ethical practice.
• They also wear a symbolic ring
as a reminder of their ethical
obligations.
New Challenges in Engineering Ethics
Emerging Issues:
• Offshoring: Moving engineering jobs overseas raises ethical concerns
like labor standards, intellectual property rights, and potential
negative impacts on local communities.
• Sustainable Development: Balancing economic growth with
environmental protection and social justice presents complex ethical
dilemmas for engineers.
• Environmental Protection: From climate change to resource
depletion, engineers play a critical role in finding solutions, requiring
careful consideration of ethical implications.
• These newly emerging issues require careful consideration from an
ethical perspective. Offshoring, for example, may offer economic
benefits but raises concerns about fair labor practices, intellectual
property rights, and the impact on local communities. Sustainable
development demands finding solutions that balance economic
growth with environmental protection and social justice, presenting
complex ethical challenges. Similarly, environmental protection
necessitates engineering solutions that consider diverse ethical
implications, from climate change mitigation to responsible resource
management.
 Codes of Ethics and
Their Evolution:
• Engineering professional
societies offer codes of ethics
outlining principles for ethical
conduct.
• Many date back to the early 20th
century and have been
incorporated into regulations in
some jurisdictions.
• These codes provide general
guidance, but engineers still need
sound judgment to apply them in
specific situations.
• Established codes of ethics offer valuable guidance for navigating
ethical dilemmas. These codes, developed by professional societies,
often date back to the early 20th century and have been incorporated
into regulations in some regions. However, it's crucial to remember
that these codes provide general principles and require thoughtful
application to specific situations. Engineers must develop strong
ethical judgment to interpret and apply these codes effectively in the
face of evolving challenges.
Navigating New Challenges:
• Open communication and collaboration are key to addressing new
ethical concerns.
• Seeking guidance from mentors, colleagues, and professional
organizations can offer valuable insights.
• Staying informed about evolving ethical issues and regulations is
essential.
Effectively navigating these new ethical challenges requires proactive
engagement. Open communication and collaboration, both within
teams and with professional organizations, foster informed decision-
making. Seeking guidance from mentors, colleagues, and professional
bodies can provide valuable insights and support. Additionally, staying
abreast of evolving ethical issues and regulations ensures your
approach remains current and responsible.
 Conclusion:

• Ethical considerations are

integral to responsible
engineering practice.
• By understanding emerging
challenges and utilizing available
resources, engineers can make
informed decisions that benefit
society.
As engineers, we have a responsibility to uphold ethical principles in
our work. By recognizing the complexities of emerging issues like
offshoring, sustainable development, and environmental protection,
and by leveraging resources like established codes of ethics and
collaborating with peers, we can ensure our projects contribute
positively to society while aligning with our ethical obligations.
Remember, continuous learning and engagement are key to navigating
the evolving landscape of engineering ethics responsibly.
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
• The Civil Engineering Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical
conduct within the profession. It outlines core principles and specific
guidelines to ensure engineers act with integrity, honesty, and
responsibility towards their clients, colleagues, the public, and the
profession itself. This presentation will explore the eight key points of
the code and delve into their significance for ethical practice in civil
engineering.
 Client Loyalty and
Transparency

• Act as a faithful agent or trustee

for your clients.
• Accept only stated charges for
services rendered.
• This principle emphasizes trust and transparency in client
relationships. Civil engineers must act in the best interests of their
clients, avoiding conflicts of interest and hidden fees. They should be
upfront about their charges and ensure fair compensation for their
services.
Respect and Fair
Competition
• Avoid false or malicious
attacks on colleagues'
reputations.
• Do not try to replace
another engineer after
they've been engaged.
• Don't undercut colleagues
by lowering charges after
knowing their fees.
• This principle promotes respectful and fair competition within the
profession. Civil engineers should avoid personal attacks, honor
existing agreements, and compete based on merit and expertise, not
by undercutting colleagues.
Collaboration and
Respect for
Existing Work

• Obtain consent before

reviewing another
engineer's work for the
same client.
• Respect ongoing projects
and avoid unsolicited
interventions.
• This principle emphasizes collaboration and respect for existing work.
Civil engineers should avoid interfering with another engineer's
project without their consent. They should collaborate openly and
ethically if multiple engineers are involved in a project.
Professionalism and
Dignity
• Avoid self-promoting
advertisements or
practices that damage
the profession's dignity.
This principle upholds the profession's dignity and reputation. Civil
engineers should avoid self-aggrandizing practices and maintain a
professional demeanor. Their actions should reflect the high standards
and integrity expected of the profession.
Fair Competition in Salaried Positions
• Avoid using salaried positions to gain unfair advantage over private
practice engineers.
• This principle ensures fairness in competition between salaried and
private practice engineers. Civil engineers employed full-time should
not leverage their position to undercut private firms or engage in
unethical business practices.
Upholding the Profession's Honor
• Avoid any actions that could bring discredit to the engineering
profession.
• This principle emphasizes the collective responsibility of engineers to
uphold the profession's honor. Civil engineers should act ethically and
responsibly in all situations, considering the potential impact on
public perception and trust in the profession.
Conclussion
• The Civil Engineering Code of Ethics provides a foundation for ethical
practice.
• By adhering to these principles, engineers can promote trust, fairness,
and professionalism within the profession.
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics:
Fundamental Principles
• The Civil Engineering Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical
conduct within the profession. It outlines these four fundamental
principles that guide civil engineers in their commitment to
professionalism, integrity, and service to society.
Principle 1: Knowledge and Skill for Human
Welfare and the Environment
• Use their knowledge and skill to create solutions that benefit people
and the environment.
• Consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their
projects.
• Promote sustainable development practices.
Principle 2: Honesty,
Impartiality, and
Fidelity
• Act with honesty and integrity in all their
professional interactions.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and be transparent
in their decision-making.
• Serve faithfully the public, their
employers/employees, and clients.
• This principle underscores the importance of trust and fairness in the
profession. Civil engineers must be honest and transparent in their
dealings with all stakeholders, avoiding situations that could
compromise their objectivity or lead to unfair advantages. They
should uphold their commitments and act in the best interests of
those they serve, whether the public, their employers, or their clients.
Principle 3: Increasing
Competence and
Prestige
• Continuously strive to
improve their knowledge
and skills.
• Share their expertise with
others and mentor younger
engineers.
• Promote the positive image
and contributions of the civil
engineering profession.
• This principle highlights the importance of professional development
and collective responsibility. Civil engineers should actively seek
opportunities to learn and grow, sharing their knowledge and
experience with others to elevate the profession as a whole. They
should also be advocates for the valuable role civil engineering plays
in society, promoting its positive impact on infrastructure,
development, and quality of life.
Principle 4: Supporting
Professional Societies

• Participate actively in
professional societies and
organizations.
• Contribute to the
development and
advancement of the
profession.
• Uphold the ethical standards
and codes of conduct
established by these
organizations.
• This principle emphasizes the importance of collaboration and
collective action. Civil engineers should actively engage with
professional societies to share ideas, contribute to technical
advancements, and participate in shaping the future of the
profession. Their involvement helps shape ethical standards, provides
valuable resources, and strengthens the collective voice of the civil
engineering community.
Conclusion
• These fundamental principles form the foundation of ethical practice
in civil engineering.
• By upholding these principles, engineers can make a positive impact
on society and contribute to a better future.
• Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of
the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable
development in the performance of their duties.
• Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
• Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and
truthful manner.
• Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
• Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of
their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
• Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance
the honor, integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
• Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development
throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the
professional development of those civil engineers under their
supervision.
Fundamental Canons of Ethics Rules of
Practice for Engineers
n this presentation, we will discuss the Fundamental Canons of Ethics
Rules of Practice for Engineers. These rules are designed to guide
engineers in their professional conduct and ensure that they uphold the
highest ethical standards.
Canon 1: Hold Paramount the Safety, Health,
and Welfare of the Public
• Engineers must always prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
• If their judgment is overruled in a way that endangers life or property, they
must notify their employer, client, and other relevant authorities.
• They must only approve engineering documents that meet applicable safety
standards.
• They must not disclose confidential information without permission, except as
required by law.
• They must not associate with businesses involved in fraudulent or dishonest
activities.
• They must report any suspected violations of this code to the appropriate
authorities.
Canon 2: Perform Services Only in Areas of
Your Competence
• Engineers should only take on projects that they are qualified for
based on their education and experience.
• They should not sign documents for work they did not do or that is
outside their expertise.
• They can take on complex projects but must ensure each part is
handled by qualified engineers.
Canon 3: Issue Public Statements Only in an
Objective and Truthful Manner
• Engineers must be objective and truthful in all their public
statements, reports, and testimony.
• They should include all relevant information and avoid making
misleading or exaggerated claims.
• They can express technical opinions based on their knowledge and
expertise.
• They must disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence their
statements.
Canon 4: Act for Each Employer or Client as
Faithful Agents or Trustees
• Engineers must act in the best interests of their employers and
clients.
• They must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
• They should not accept compensation from multiple parties for the
same project without disclosure and agreement.
• They should not accept gifts or other benefits from outside parties
that could influence their judgment.
• Engineers in public service must avoid conflicts of interest between
their public and private work.
Canon 5: Avoid Deceptive Acts
• Engineers must not lie about their qualifications or experience.
• They should not misrepresent their role in past projects.
• They should not make misleading or exaggerated claims in marketing
materials.
• They should not offer bribes or other incentives to secure work.
Professional Obligations of Engineers
• a. Acknowledge errors and avoid distorting facts: Engineers must be truthful and admit
mistakes, taking responsibility for their actions.
• b. Advise clients/employers of unsuccessful projects: Transparency is crucial. If an
engineer doubts a project's success, they must speak up to avoid potential harm.
• c. Manage outside employment responsibly: Balancing outside work with primary
responsibilities is essential. Transparency and prior notification to employers are required.
• d. Avoid poaching engineers: Recruiting ethically is important. Deceitful tactics to lure
engineers from other employers are unacceptable.
• e. Prioritize profession over personal gain: Personal interests should not compromise the
profession's reputation or integrity.
• f. Treat everyone with respect and fairness: Engineers should uphold respectful and
inclusive behavior towards all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances.
Breakdown of Professional Obligations for
Engineers
Honesty and Integrity:
• Uphold truthfulness, admit mistakes, and avoid distorting facts.
• Be transparent with clients/employers about potential project
failures.
• Balance outside work ethically and inform employers beforehand.
• Recruit other engineers with honesty and respect.
• Prioritize the profession's integrity over personal gain.
• Treat everyone with dignity, respect, fairness, and without
discrimination.
Serving the Public Interest:
• Participate in civic activities, guide young engineers, and contribute to
community well-being.
• Ensure plans and specifications comply with engineering standards.
• Promote public understanding of engineering and its achievements.
• Adhere to sustainable development principles for environmental
protection.
• Continuously develop professionally through various learning
activities.
 Avoiding Deception:
• Steer clear of statements that misrepresent facts or omit crucial
information.
• Advertise for recruitment truthfully and avoid claiming credit for
others' work in articles.
 Confidentiality:
• Maintain confidentiality of business affairs, technical processes, and
client/employer information.
• Avoid promoting new employment or using specialized knowledge
gained from former clients/employers without consent.
• Refrain from representing opposing interests in projects where you
have gained specific knowledge.
 Conflict of Interest:
• Avoid situations where your judgment might be influenced by
conflicting interests.
• Refuse financial or other incentives from suppliers for specifying their
products.
• Decline commissions or allowances from contractors or parties
dealing with your clients/employers.
Professional Conduct:
• Secure employment ethically, avoid criticizing others unfairly, and
reject contingent commissions compromising your judgment.
• Manage part-time work ethically and avoid using employer resources
for private practice without consent.
Reputation and Collaboration:
• Avoid harming the professional reputation of others, but report
unethical or illegal practices to authorities.
• Respect the work of other engineers and avoid reviewing their work
for the same client without their knowledge or consent.
• Understand situations where reviewing or comparing work of others
is permissible.
Personal Responsibility and Legality:
• Take responsibility for your professional actions, seeking
indemnification only for non-negligent cases.
• Comply with state registration laws in your engineering practice.
• Avoid using associations with non-engineers as a shield for unethical
behavior.
Credit and Ownership:
• Give credit for engineering work to those who deserve it and
recognize proprietary interests of others.
• Acknowledge individuals responsible for designs, inventions, etc.
• Respect client ownership of designs and avoid unauthorized
duplication.
• Establish clear agreements regarding ownership of improvements,
plans, etc., before undertaking work for others.
• Recognize employer ownership of designs, data, and records related
to their work.
whistleblowing
Engineers' Duty to Report Risk:
• Engineers hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the
public.
• When a client or employer fails to follow their directions, causing
potential harm, engineers have a duty to report this risk.
• This duty prioritizes public safety over loyalty to clients or employers.
• Failure to report such dangers could lead to disciplinary action or
license revocation, even without causing harm.
Addressing the Risk Internally:
• Often, engineers can fulfill their duty by directly informing the client
of the consequences and ensuring they take corrective action.
• This internal approach prioritizes resolving the issue within the
professional relationship.
Whistleblowing as a Last Resort:
• In rare instances where authorities fail to act, or the risk remains
unaddressed, making the situation public becomes the only option.
• This is a last resort, as it can damage relationships and have personal
repercussions for the engineer.
Legal Support for Whistleblowing:
• Courts often recognize the ethical obligation of engineers to protect
public safety.
• Legal precedents exist to protect whistleblowers from retaliation by
employers.
• However, navigating legal complexities and seeking legal counsel is
crucial.
Additional Considerations:
• Engineers should carefully document their concerns and attempts to
address them internally before resorting to whistleblowing.
• Understanding the specific legal framework and seeking professional
guidance are essential to minimize potential risks.
• Whistleblowing should be done responsibly, with the sole purpose of
protecting public safety and avoiding personal gain.