Engineers make decisions that can affect the well-being and safety of the public for decades, so it makes sense that those in the profession are held to a high ethical standard. To ensure that decisions and actions are in the best interest of the public and the profession, the National Society of Professional Engineers has an Engineering Code of Ethics in place. We’re providing a practical look at the six canons in the code to help provide context and perspective so you can make appropriate professional decisions in your day-to-day work.
The six canons of the Engineering Code of Ethics
The six fundamental canons guide engineers to prioritize the public good, act with honesty, and behave in a way that upholds the profession.
Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
Engineers must prioritize the public’s well-being and ensure their decisions, recommendations, and actions promote safety and align with appropriate laws and codes. This includes:
- Notifying their employer, client, or authority if their recommendations are overruled in a way that may threaten life and property
- Only approving documents that conform to applicable standards
- Maintaining confidentiality unless required by law or the Engineering Code of Ethics, or the client or employer consents to share information.
Example
An engineer is working on the design of a new building, and during the review, they see a flaw in the fire escape routes. Despite the additional cost and time required to redesign the routes and pushback from the client, the engineer insists on prioritizing the safety of the occupants and conforming to the building codes by making the changes.
Perform services only in the area of their competence
Engineers should only take on projects for which their experience or education qualifies them. This includes not signing off on plans or documents related to areas where they lack competence, nor should they sign any plan or document they didn’t prepare or direct. However, engineers may accept assignments, assume responsibility for, and sign documents for the entire project as long as the technical segments are signed by the qualified engineers who prepared them.
Example
A structural engineer is overseeing the planning and design of a parking garage, and they are asked to also design the electrical system for lighting and charging stations for electric vehicles. Because this is outside of their competence, they decline to work on this and refer the client to an electrical engineer.
Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
Whether issuing a professional report or giving a statement, engineers must be honest and objective in their communications. This means engineers must communicate in the following ways in public or official reports or statements:
- Including all relevant information including the dates when the information was current
- Only providing technical opinions that are based on factual knowledge and competency in the subject matter
- Disclosing whether they have a personal interest or are speaking on behalf of an interested party when issuing a statement or criticism on technical matters
Example
After conducting an environmental impact assessment for a proposed industrial plant, an engineer must publicly present their findings. Despite pressure from the client to downplay the negative environmental effects of the plant, the engineer provides an honest and comprehensive report.
Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
Engineers must act with transparency, impartiality, and in the best interest of their employer or client. This includes:
- Disclosing known or potential conflicts of interest
- Refusing compensation from multiple parties for services on the same project, unless the circumstances are transparent and agreed to by all parties involved
- Refusing payment or gifts from external parties that could influence their work
- Engineers working in public or governmental roles should not participate in decisions related to services they or their private firm provides.
- Refusing to accept contracts from a government entity if a leader in their firm serves on a decision-making board within that entity
Example
A senior engineer with a consulting firm also sits on the city council. Their consulting firm should not bid on city contracts to avoid a conflict of interest.
Avoid deceptive acts
Engineers should always represent themselves truthfully and avoid actions that are fraudulent, deceitful, or misleading. This means they shouldn’t falsify or exaggerate their qualifications, nor should they misrepresent their associates’ qualifications. Also, engineers should not offer, give, or receive a gift or contribution that would influence the award of a contract by a public authority, as this could be seen as attempting to influence the awarding of a contract.
Example
A structural engineer’s company is bidding for a major contract and wants the engineer to exaggerate the scope of previous projects to make them seem more qualified and experienced. The engineer provides accurate and truthful information, even if it causes the company to lose the contract.
Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully
Engineers should uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession through ethical, responsible behavior. This is an umbrella statement that recommends engineers communicate with honesty and integrity, strive to serve the public interest, avoid deceitful actions or communications, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Example
An engineer learns that their colleagues are accepting bribes to falsify test results. The engineer reports these actions to the appropriate authorities, even though acting as a whistleblower may have professional repercussions.
Learn more about the Engineering Code of Ethics
With McKissock’s Professional Engineering continuing education courses, you can learn more about professional ethics as well as technical skills, including:
- Ethical Practice in Engineering and Land Surveying
- Engineering Ethics: Kansas City Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse
- New London School Tragedy: Gas & Boiler Analysis
Check out these courses and more or choose a professional development course package for the best value!
