ENGINEERING ETHICS IN PRACTICE

1.   Accuracy and rigour

·         Ensuring others are not misled: Professional engineers should “not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled about engineering matters”

·         Acting with care and competence: Professional engineers should “always act with care and competence”

·         Staying within your limits: Professional engineers should “perform services only in areas of current competence”

·         Keeping up to date: Professional engineers should “keep their knowledge and skills up to date and assist the development of engineering knowledge and skills in others”

·         Being objective: Professional engineers should “present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias”

·         Evaluating risks: Professional engineers should “identify and evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks”

2.   Honesty and integrity

·         Preventing corruption: Professional engineers should “avoid deceptive acts, take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional misconduct, and declare conflicts of interest”

·         Affecting others: Professional engineers should “be alert to the ways in which their work might affect others and duly respect the rights and reputations of other parties”

·         Rejecting bribery: Professional engineers should: “reject bribery and improper influence”

·         Gaining trust: Professional engineers should “act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner”

3.   Respect for life, law and public good

·         Health and safety: Professional engineers should “hold paramount the health and safety of others”

·         Justifying the work: “Ensure that all work is lawful and justified”

·         Respecting limited resources: Professional engineers should “take due account of the limited availability of natural and human resources”

·         The reputation of engineering: “Act honourably, responsibly and lawfully and uphold the reputation, standing and dignity of the profession”

4.   Responsible leadership: listening and informing

·         Promoting public awareness: Professional engineers should “actively promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievements.”

·         Listening to society: Professional engineers should “be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society, and listen to the aspirations and concerns of others.”

·         Truth and objectivity: “Be objective and truthful in any statement made in their professional capacity”