Application of Codes of Ethics Flashcards

A professional engineer is asked by their employer to certify a design that the engineer believes is unsafe. The employer argues the risk is acceptable. What should the engineer do first?

Answer: Refuse to certify and document the refusal in writing

The engineer must refuse to certify an unsafe design and document the refusal. The professional's paramount duty is public safety, which overrides employer instructions. Documentation protects the engineer if the matter escalates.

Under professional engineering codes of ethics, which situation most clearly constitutes a conflict of interest?

Answer: An engineer holding shares in a company that is bidding on a project the engineer is evaluating

Holding a financial interest in a company bidding on a project the engineer is evaluating creates a direct conflict between the engineer's personal financial interest and their professional duty to evaluate bids impartially.

An engineer reviews the work of another engineer and identifies a serious safety deficiency. The other engineer disputes the finding. What is the reviewing engineer's ethical obligation?

Answer: Document the finding and report it to the appropriate authority if unresolved

Where a safety deficiency is identified and remains unresolved after raising it with the responsible engineer, the reviewing engineer has a professional obligation to report the matter to ensure public safety.

Which principle underlies the prohibition against an engineer practising in an area outside their competence?

Answer: The duty to maintain and apply competence for the protection of the public

Engineering codes of ethics require professionals to practise only within their areas of competence. This rule protects the public from harm caused by under-qualified practitioners and upholds the integrity of the profession.

A client instructs an engineer to falsify test results to make a project appear compliant with environmental regulations. Which ethical principle is most directly engaged?

Answer: Integrity and honesty

Falsifying test results is a direct violation of the engineer's duty of integrity and honesty — a fundamental ethical principle that prohibits deception in professional practice.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'professional accountability' in the context of Canadian engineering regulation?

Answer: Accountability to the profession, the public, and regulatory bodies for the quality and ethics of professional work

Professional accountability in engineering encompasses obligations to the public (safety, welfare), to the profession (maintaining standards), and to regulators (compliance with acts and by-laws) — not solely to the client or employer.