Accountability and Duties Flashcards

Which best describes an engineer's duty of confidentiality with respect to client information?

Answer: Client information is generally confidential but may be disclosed when public safety is at risk or required by law

Engineers must protect client confidential information but are permitted—and sometimes required—to disclose it when public safety demands or when legally compelled.

An engineer working on a public infrastructure project learns that a government official is soliciting kickbacks from contractors. The engineer's ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Report the corrupt activity to appropriate authorities

Engineers have a professional obligation to report corrupt practices that could compromise the integrity of public projects and harm the public interest.

What distinguishes 'gross negligence' from 'ordinary negligence' in the context of an engineer's professional accountability?

Answer: Gross negligence involves reckless disregard for known risks, while ordinary negligence involves a failure to meet the standard of care

Gross negligence involves a conscious, reckless disregard for the rights or safety of others, whereas ordinary negligence is simply a failure to meet the accepted standard of care.

An engineer is hired by a developer to assess a site for construction. During the assessment, the engineer discovers significant environmental contamination. What must the engineer do?

Answer: Disclose the contamination findings to the developer and, if required by law, to environmental authorities

The engineer must report contamination to the client and, when environmental regulations require, to the relevant government authorities.

A professional engineer retires and allows their license to lapse. A former client then files a malpractice claim for work performed while the engineer was licensed. Which statement is correct?

Answer: The engineer may still be held professionally and legally accountable for work performed while licensed

Professional accountability for work performed while licensed survives the lapsing of a license; retirement does not extinguish liability for past work.

Which of the following best describes the duty an engineer owes to third parties (non-clients) who may be affected by their work?

Answer: A duty of reasonable care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to third parties

Engineers owe a duty of reasonable care to foreseeable third parties who could be harmed by their professional work, beyond just contractual obligations to clients.

An engineer's professional liability insurance policy typically covers claims arising from:

Answer: Errors, omissions, and negligent acts in the performance of professional services

Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance covers claims resulting from negligent acts, errors, or omissions in the performance of professional engineering services.