Case I: Code Violation with Safety Implications
Adapted from NSPE Board of Ethical Review Case No. 89-7
An engineer determines that there are defects in a building’s structural components and it would break the client’s secrecy if revealed to a third party.
An engineer was appointed to affirm the structural integrity of an apartment the client is anticipating to sell. The client notifies the engineer that the building being sold has damages in which he is not intending to renovate. Although the building is in violation of some electrical and mechanical codes, the client mandates the engineer to keep it confidential. Quite aware that the violations could result to some damages, he is uncertain of his verdict on the situation. However, he decided to write the report without stating the safety defilements. …show more content…
From the analyzations of this case, two forms of ethical engineering requirements are presented. The decision of the engineer was to fulfill the act of confidentiality to the client in which he cannot confer business affairs to other authorities (NSPE code of ethics section II 1c). Also the engineer should hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public as stated by (ASCE Canon 1a). The engineer considers loyalty to the client, which is explained in the NSPE code of ethics section III 4. “Engineers shall not disclose confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer without his consent”. It is understandable that revealing information regarding business affairs to other parties is unprincipled or unethical. However, the primary consideration in decision making should always involve the safety of a person or the general
Adapted from NSPE Board of Ethical Review Case No. 89-7
An engineer determines that there are defects in a building’s structural components and it would break the client’s secrecy if revealed to a third party.
An engineer was appointed to affirm the structural integrity of an apartment the client is anticipating to sell. The client notifies the engineer that the building being sold has damages in which he is not intending to renovate. Although the building is in violation of some electrical and mechanical codes, the client mandates the engineer to keep it confidential. Quite aware that the violations could result to some damages, he is uncertain of his verdict on the situation. However, he decided to write the report without stating the safety defilements. …show more content…
From the analyzations of this case, two forms of ethical engineering requirements are presented. The decision of the engineer was to fulfill the act of confidentiality to the client in which he cannot confer business affairs to other authorities (NSPE code of ethics section II 1c). Also the engineer should hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public as stated by (ASCE Canon 1a). The engineer considers loyalty to the client, which is explained in the NSPE code of ethics section III 4. “Engineers shall not disclose confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer without his consent”. It is understandable that revealing information regarding business affairs to other parties is unprincipled or unethical. However, the primary consideration in decision making should always involve the safety of a person or the general