Professional Ethics in Engineering (2)

7/27/2019 Professional Ethics in Engineering (2)

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PROFESSIONAL ETHICSIN ENGINEERING

NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS,

WARRI BRANCH COURSE

AUGUST 10, 2012

ENGR. C. W. WAMUO. FNSE, FNIM


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1. INTRODUCTION ENGRS PLAY KEY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

NATIONS THROUGH DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION &

DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURES & INDUSTRIALSYSTEMS. THEIR ACTIVITIES IMPACT ON THE

ENVIRONMENT & THE QUALITY OF LIFE, HEALTH &

SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE.

THE HIGH DEMAND FOR THESE INFRASTRUCTURES &

THE BY-PRODUCT OF ENGRING ACTIVITIES HAS

INCREASED PUBLIC FOCUS ON THE PRACTICE OF

ENGRING. THE PUBLIC IS AWARE THAT THE BENEFITS OF

INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS & INFRASTRUCTURE

DEVELOPMENT MUST BE BALANCED AGAINST NEED TO

PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM DANGERS CAUSED BY -


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1. INTRODUCTION cont ACCORDINGLY , ENGINEERS ARE MADE TO PERFORM

UNDER THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT.

ENGRING FAILURES USUALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF HUGERESOURCES AND ATTRACT NATIONAL & MEDIA INTEREST.

ALSO, FAILURES OF COMPLEX ENGRING SYSTEMS ARE

OFTEN DESCRIBED AS NATIONAL DISASTERS WHICH

SHOULD BE PREVENTED. THEREFORE ENGRS SHOULD

ALWAYS BE CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THEIR

ACTIONS & THE IMPLICIT HIGH STANDARDS OF

PERFORMANCE.ENGRING ETHICS IS TODAY ATTRACTING ATTENTION IN

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES & ENGRING CURRICULA

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.


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1. INTRODUCTION contd

ENGINEERING ETHICS BECAME NECESSARY TOASSIST ENGINEERS ACHIEVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND

HIGH STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE.ENGINEERING ETHICS IS TODAY ATTRACTINGATTENTION IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES ANDENGINEERING CURRICULA THROUGHOUT THEWORLD.

THIS PAPER SEEKS TO IDENTIFY THEENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL AS HAVING SOME

CHARACTERISTICS WHICH ENGENDERCOMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. THEFUNDAMENTAL CANONS FOR ENGINEERINGETHICS COMMON TO ALL ENGINEERINGDISCIPLINES ARE REVIEWED


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1. INTRODUCTION contd

THE ENGINEERS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC

SAFETY AND THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL

OBLIGATIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED. MANDATORY

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL

CONDUCT ARE PRESENTED AS REQUIREMENTS FOR

SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONAL CAREERS.CASE STUDIES OF ENGINEERING FAILURES AND

ETHICS VIOLATIONS ARE USED TO MOTIVATE

DISCUSSIONS TO ENSURE THAT MISTAKES OF THEPAST ARE NOT REPEATED. THE CODES OF CONDUCT

AND ETHICS OF SOME PROFESSIONAL BODIES ARE

INCLUDED IN APPENDIX.


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2. PROFESSIONALISATIONIT IS GENERALLY AGREED THAT THERE ARE ANUMBER OF CHARACTERISTICS WHICH DISTINGUISH

A PROFESSION FROM OTHER LESS FORMALLYCONSTITUTED TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS [ 3 ] :

THE PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE HAS ACOMMAND OF A SPECIALIZED BODY OF

KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR PLANNING, DESIGN,CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF PHYSICALSTRUCTURES, ENGINES/MACHINES.

THE BODY OF KNOWLEDGE IS TRANSMITTEDTHROUGH RECOGNIZED TRAINING AND REGULARLYUPDATED ON BEHALF OF THE PROFESSIONAL BODYTO ENSURE CERTIFIED STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY.


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2. PROFESSIONALISATION contd

A CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS GOVERN THE

PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION AND ENSURES THE

SATISFACTION AND SAFETY OF THE CLIENT IN

PARTICULAR AND THE SOCIETY IN GENERAL.

A MONOPOLY IS USUALLY GRANTED TO A

PROFESSIONAL BODY BY SOCIETY THROUGH LAWSTO ENSURE THAT ONLY REGISTERED MEMBERS

CAN ENGAGE IN THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.

THE MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO CONSTANTEDUCATIONAL RENEWAL THROUGH A LIFE LONG

LEARNING OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.


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2. PROFESSIONALISATION contd

THE PROFESSIONAL BODY IS LEGALLY TO

REGULATE ITSELF, DISCIPLINE ITS MEMBERS AND

CONTROL THE PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION.

THE QUALITY OF A PERSONS LIFE IS IN DIRECT

PROPORTION TO HIS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

REGARDLESS OF THE CHOSEN FIELD OF ENDEAVOR(VINCE LOMBARDI).

PROFESSIONALISM IS THEREFORE ABOUT

COMMITMENT TO STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE INTHE PERFORMANCE OF TASKS WHICH REQUIRE

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE.

2 PROFESSIONALISATION td


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2. PROFESSIONALISATION contdA PROFESSIONAL IS THUS SOMEONE WHOSE

BASIC SATISFACTION IS IN PERFORMING WELL,

TASKS FOR WHICH HE HAS BEEN TRAINED AND

ALWAYS STRIVES TO ACHIEVE THE BEST

STANDARD POSSIBLE IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

TO BE A PROFESSIONAL IS THUS TO FLAUNT THE

HIGHEST LEVELS OF THE SKILLS ONE PROFESSES

TO COMMAND. THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGRS

IN ORGANIZING COURSES FOR HER MEMBERS ISENCOURAGING CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT OF ITS MEMBERSHIP.

3 FUNDAMENTAL CODE OF ETHICS


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3.FUNDAMENTAL CODE OF ETHICS

THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER HAS SOME

AUTHORITY WHICH HAS TO BE EXERCISED

CAREFULLY TO AVOID BEING A SOURCE OFDANGER TO THE PUBLIC. THIS INCLUDES BEING A

LEADER IN ENGINEERING PROJECTS, PRACTICING

ENGINEERING AND SUPERVISING THE WORK OFYOUNGER ENGINEERS. THE BASIC RULES THAT

GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF ENGINEERS

(ENGRING ETHICS) ARE SUMMARIZED INTO *14+:HOLD PARAMOUNT THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND

WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC.


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3.FUNDAMENTALCODE OF ETHICS contd

PERFORM SERVICES ONLY IN AREAS OF THEIR

COMPETENCE.

ISSUE PUBLIC STATEMENTS ONLY IN AN

OBJECTIVE AND TRUTHFUL MANNER.

ACT FOR YOUR EMPLOYERS AS FAITHFUL

AGENTS OR TRUSTEES.

AVOID DECEPTIVE ACTS.

CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN SUCH A WAY AS TOALWAYS ENHANCE THE REPUTATION OF THE

PROFESSION.


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4.ENGINEERS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

RECENT INCIDENCES IN THE US SUCH AS THECHALLENGER SPACE-SHIP DISASTER, THE KANSAS

CITY HYATTREGENCY HOTEL WALKWAY COLLAPSEAND THE EXXON OIL SPILL HAVE DRAWNATTENTION TO THE ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FORPUBLIC SAFETY.

SINCE SAFETY IS A SOCIAL AND NOT PRIMARILY ALEGAL OBLIGATION, ENGINEERS AND THEIRMANAGERS MUST KEEP THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO

PUBLIC SAFETY AT THE FOREFRONT WHEN MAKINGDESIGN AND MANAGEMENT DECISIONS.

QUALITY DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE

ARE IMPERATIVE IN EVERY FIELD OF ENGINEERING.


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ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY contd THERE IS NEED FOR ETHICAL & CREATIVE ENGINEERING

DESIGNS & CORPORATE PRACTICE.

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGRING CODE OFETHICS STATES THAT ENGRS MUST HOLD THE PUBLIC

SAFETY, WELFARE, & HEALTH PARAMOUNT & USE THEIR

KNOWLEDGE & SKILL FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF

HUMAN WELFARE. WHEN ENGRS TAKE PRIDE IN &

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DESIGNS, THE ENTIRE

ENGRING PROFESSION BENEFITS.

CONSIDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN ENGRINGPRACTICE POSITIVELY AFFECTS ENGRING CREATIVITY. IF

IGNORED, BAD PUBLIC RELATIONS ARE A POSSIBILITY

FOR THE ENGR, THE COMPANY HE WORKS FOR & THE

PROFESSION GENERALLY.

4 ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY td


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4.ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY contd

ENGRS SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THEIRPROFESSIONAL CODES & STANDARDS, ENCOURAGEOTHERS TO REPORT THOSE WHO DO NOT BECAUSE:

IT WILL HELP PROTECT PEOPLE FROM BEING INJURED BYWHAT THE ENGINEERS DO.

IT WILL ASSURE EACH ENGR OF A BETTER WORKING

ENVIRONMENT AND REDUCE PRESSURES FROM OTHERPEOPLE TO DO OTHERWISE.

THEY WILL BE PROUD OF THEIR PROFESSION IF THEYADHERE TO THE CODES OF ETHICS, ESPECIALLY IN NIGERIA

WHERE THE PUBLIC IMAGE OF ENGRS NEEDIMPROVEMENT.

ADHERING TO THE CODES WILL LEAD TO BENEFITS FORALL ENGRS & PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE PROFESSION

WILL BE INCREASED.

4 ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY d


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4.ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY contdSAFETY IS AN ESSENTIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATION,

DEEMED AS THE ABSENCE OF UNREASONABLE DANGER.

SOMETIMES, A FACTOR SAFETY OF 2-3 IS BUILT INTOENGRING DESIGN EQUATIONS.

DESPITE THIS, LITIGATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ENGRING

FAILURES ARE ON THE INCREASE, & IN SOME COUNTRIES

PRACTICING AS A PROFESSIONAL HAS BECOME A RISKYVENTURE.

THE ENGRS & THEIR PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES MUST

ACQUIRE REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LIABILITYISSUES. THE QUESTION IS OFTEN ASKED, WHERE DOES A

DESIGN ENGR & HIS COMPANYS RESPONSIBILITY END &

THE CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS & CONSUMERS

BEGIN?

4 ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY td


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4.ENGRS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY contd

IF IT IS TRUE THAT: THE PUBLIC HAS PROVIDED

ENGRS, THROUGH THE TAX BASE, WITH THE

MEANS OF OBTAINING EDUCATION, & THROUGH

LEGISLATION, WITH THE MEANS OF LICENSING &

REGULATING THEMSELVES THEN IN RETURN,

ENGRS HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROTECTING

THE SAFETY & WELL-BEING OF THE PUBLIC IN ALL

OF THEIR DESIGN EFFORTS. THIS IS PART OF AN

IMPLICIT SOCIAL CONTRACT ALL ENGRS AGREE TO

WHEN THEY ACCEPT ADMISSION TO AN ENGRING

COLLEGE (MEMBERSHIP OF NSE).

5 CONFLICTING INTERESTS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST


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5. CONFLICTING INTERESTS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

ENGRS SHOULD BE CAREFUL IN GETTING INVOLVED IN

TAKING DECISIONS WHICH MAY BE SEEN AS BIASED OR

HAVING CONFLICTING INTERESTS OR CONFLICT OFINTEREST. EXAMPLES BELOW INDICATE CONFLICT OF

INTERESTS WHICH CAN INFLUENCE THE JUDGMENT OF AN

ENGR.

AN ENGR HAS RESPONSIBILITY TO WRITESPECIFICATIONS FOR A WATER PROJECT BUT OWNS A

COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES & SELLS SUCH SYSTEMS.

THIS CONSTITUTES A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

AN ENGR WORKS FOR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

& AT THE SAME TIME WORKS FOR A CONSULTING FIRM

THAT DEALS WITH THE AGENCY.

5 CONFLICTING INTERESTS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST td


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5. CONFLICTING INTERESTS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST contd

ENGRING DECISIONS THAT ARE TO THE ADVANTAGE OF

ENGRS TAKING THE DECISION CONSTITUTE CONFLICTING

INTERSTS.A COMPANY PAYS FOR ENGRS TO ATTEND A SEMINAR

ON THE USE OF ITS PRODUCTS. THIS IS COMPARED TO

PERKS AND GIFTS GIVEN TO PHYSICIANS BY DRUG

COMPANIES.

AN ENGINEERS INTERESTS MAY BE AT CONFLICT WITH

THOSE OF ITS CLIENTS.

AN ENGINEER LEAVING PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT ANDTHEN WORKING IN THE SAME AREA IN THE PRIVATE

SECTOR IS A DELICATE ISSUE. THE ENGINEER HAS HAD

ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES THAT A PRIVATE

CLIENT MAY DESIRE. CAN THIS BE ETHICAL?


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CONFLICTING INTERESTS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST contd

A CITY ENGR SELECTS AN ENGRING FIRM FOR ACITY PROJECT BASED ON ITS TECHNICAL

PROPOSALS. HOWEVER OTHER FIRMS VIEW THESELECTION OF THE FIRM AS BIASED.

A CLIENT BELIEVES AN ENGINEERS DESIGN ARE

TOO COSTLY BUT THE ENGINEER FEARS THATANYTHING LESS MAY ENDANGER PUBLIC SAFETY.

AN ENGINEER HAS A CONFLICT BETWEENHONORING AN AGREEMENT WITH A FORMEREMPLOYER AND REPORTING A HAZARD TOPROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST.

AN ENGINEER OWNS BOTH A CONTRACTING FIRM

AND A CONSULTING FIRM AND SEEKS TO PROVIDE

6 ENGINEERS PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS


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6. ENGINEERS PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS.

ENGINEERS SHALL COMMIT THEMSELVES TO

ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN THEIR

WORK SO AS TO INCREASE THE REPUTATION OFTHEIR PROFESSION. TO ACHIEVE THIS THEY SHALL:

ACT CONSISTENTLY IN PUBLIC INTEREST

ACT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR CLIENT ANDEMPLOYER AND CONSISTENT WITH PUBLIC

INTEREST

THEIR PRODUCT MUST MEET THE HIGHESTPROFESSIONAL STANDARDS POSSIBLE

MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THEIR

PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT


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ENGINEERS PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS-Contd

PROMOTE AN ETHICAL APPROACH TO DESIGN &DEVELOPMENT

ADVANCE THE INTEGRITY AND REPUTATION OF

THE PROFESSION CONSISTENT WITH PUBLICINTEREST

BE FAIR TO AND SUPPORTIVE OF THEIR

COLLEAGUESBE COMMITTED TO LIFE LONG LEARNING AND

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SHALL PROMOTE AN ETHICAL APPROACH

6 1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC


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6.1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLICENGRS SHALL ACT CONSISTENTLY IN PUBLIC INTEREST BY;

ACCEPTING FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN

WORK.ACTING AS MODERATORS OF THE INTERESTS OF THE

EMPLOYER, THE CLIENT & THE USERS IN THE BEST

INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC GOOD.

ACCEPTING DESIGNS & PROPOSALS ONLY IF THEY ARE

SAFE, MEET SPECIFICATIONS & DO NOT DIMINISH

QUALITY OF LIFE OR HARM THE ENVIRONMENT.

DISCLOSING TO APPROPRIATE BODIES, ANY POTENTIAL

DANGER TO THE USER, PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT

THAT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH A PROPOSAL OR

DESIGN.

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC contd


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OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC contd

COOPERATING IN ANY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS

SUCH MATTERS OF GRAVE PUBLIC CONCERN THAT

MAY ARISE FROM HIS ENGINEERING PROPOSALOR DESIGN.

AVOIDING DECEPTION IN ALL PUBLIC

STATEMENTS CONCERNING HIS PROPOSALMETHODS AND TOOLS.

VOLUNTEERING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND

CONTRIBUTING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THEDISCIPLINE.

6 2 OBLIGATIONS TO CLIENTS AND EMPLOYER:


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6.2 OBLIGATIONS TO CLIENTS AND EMPLOYER:ENGRS SHOULD ALWAYS ACT IN A MANNER THAT

IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THEIR EMPLOYERS

AND CLIENTS, CONSISTENT WITH PUBLICINTEREST. AS APPROPRIATE, THEY SHOULD;

PROVIDE SERVICE ONLY IN THEIR AREA OF

COMPETENCE AND SHOULD BE HONEST IN ANY

LIMITATIONS OF THEIR EXPERIENCE AND

EDUCATION.

SHOULD NOT KNOWINGLY USE DESIGNS THAT

ARE OBTAINED ILLEGALLY OR UNETHICALLY.

SHOULD USE THE PROPERTY OF HIS CLIENT OR

EMPLOYER ONLY IN AUTHORIZED MANNER OR

WITH HIS CONSENT.

6 2 OBLIGATIONS TO CLIENTS AND EMPLOYER


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6.2 OBLIGATIONS TO CLIENTS AND EMPLOYER MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF ANY INFORMATION

GAINED IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORK WHERE SUCH IS

IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND CONSISTENT WITH THELAW.

REPORT TO CLIENT OR EMPLOYER PROMPTLY, IF A

PROJECT IS LIKELY TO FAIL, PROVE TOO EXPENSIVE,

VIOLATE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW OR OTHERWISE

BE PROBLEMATIC.

ACCEPT NO OUTSIDE WORK DETRIMENTAL TO THE

WORK BEING PERFORMED FOR THE PRIMARYEMPLOYER.

INFORM CLIENT OR EMPLOYER OR APPROPRIATE

AUTHORITY WHEN A HIGHER ETHICAL CONCERN IS

BEING COMPROMISED.

6 3 OBLIGATIONS TO MANAGEMENT


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6.3 OBLIGATIONS TO MANAGEMENTENGRING PROJECTS MANAGERS & LEADERS SHOULDENSURE & PROMOTE ETHICAL APPROACH TO

DEVELOPMENT & EXECUTION OF ENGRING PROJECTS &SHALL AS APPROPRIATE:

ENSURE GOOD MANAGEMENT AND EFFECTIVEPROCEDURES FOR PROMOTION OF QUALITY &

STANDARDS & REDUCTION OF ASSOCIATED RISKS. ENSURE INFORMATION ON STANDARDS AREAVAILABLE TO ENGRS ON A PROJECT.

ASSIGN RESPONSIBILITY TO ENGRS AFTERCONSIDERING APPROPRIATE CONTRIBUTIONS OFEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE TEMPERED WITH POTENTIALFOR FURTHER EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE.

6 3 OBLIGATIONS TO MANAGEMENT C td


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6.3 OBLIGATIONS TO MANAGEMENT Contd

ENSURE REALISTIC AND QUANTITATIVE BILLS OF

QUANTITIES, SCHEDULING, AND OUTCOMES ON

THE PROJECT AND PROVIDE AN UNCERTAINTY

ASSESSMENTS OF THE ESTIMATES.

PROVIDE FULL AND ACCURATE CONDITIONS OF

SERVICE TO PROSPECTIVE ENGINEERS FOR

EMPLOYMENT ON THE PROJECT.

OFFER FAIR AND JUST REMUNERATION TO

EMPLOYEES ON THE PROJECT.

PROVIDE FOR DUE PROCESS IN HEARING

CHARGES OF VIOLATION OF AN EMPLOYERS

POLICY OR OF THIS CODE.

6 4 OBLIGATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES:


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6.4 OBLIGATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES:

ENGRS SHOULD BE FAIR & SUPPORTIVE OF THEIR

PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES. THEY SHOULD AS

APPROPRIATE:

ENCOURAGE COLLEAGUES TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO

THE CODE.

SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO ASSISTINGCOLLEAGUES IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT.

IN THAT AREA.

OBLIGATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES- contd


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OBLIGATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES- cont d

ALWAYS CREDIT FULLY THE WORK OF OTHERS &

REFRAIN FROM TAKING UNDUE CREDIT.

SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE A FAIR HEARING TO THE

OPINIONS, CONCERNS OR COMPLAINS OF OTHER

COLLEAGUES.

ENGRS IN SITUATIONS OUTSIDE THEIR AREA OFCOMPETENCE, CALL ON THE OPINIONS OF OTHER

PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE COMPETENCE

6 5 OBLIGATIONS TO SELF:


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6.5 OBLIGATIONS TO SELF:ENGRS SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING

PROCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SHALL

PROMOTE AN ETHICAL APPROACH TO THE PRACTICE OF THEIR

PROFESSION. THEY SHALL ALSO ENDEAVOUR TO:

CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN THE

ANALYSIS, DESIGN, SPECIFICATIONS, MAINTENANCE,

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE SYSTEMS OF INTERESTTOGETHER WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT

PROCESS.

IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE OUTPUT OF THE ENGRING

PROJECTS THEY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH. IMPROVE THEIR ABILITY TO PRODUCE ACCURATE &

INFORMATIVE DOCUMENTATION OF THE PROJECTS.

IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL

STANDARDS & LAWS GOVERNING THE CONTRACTS.

7 CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


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7. CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTCOMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.ENGINEERS CAN LEVEL MOUNTAINS TO THE GROUND

AND TURN RIVERS FROM THEIR COURSES.

THE SKIES AND THE OCEANS ARE MEDIA FOR A WIDERANGE OF ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES.

VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF MODERN

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

HAVE TURNED THE WORLD INTO A GLOBAL VILLAGE.

ELECTRIC ENERGY HAS CATALYZED CIVILIZATION

AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT. ENGINEERS

ARE THE AGENTS OF CHANGE AND INNOVATION

THROUGH WELL THOUGHT OUT ENGINEERINGPROJECTS.

7. CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT &


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7. CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT &

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE- contd

IN THE LIGHT OF THE ABOVE, THE ENGR MUST BE ENGAGEDIN CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO

MAINTAIN COMPETENCE AND ADVANCE THE EXISTINGFRONTIERS OF KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR AREAS OF PRACTICE.(HE WHO ADDS NOT TO HIS LEARNING DIMINISHES IT-TALMOND THE ENGR SHOULD PROVIDE SUBORDINATES ,

THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.PROFESSIONALISM IS ALSO ABOUT COMMITMENT TOSTANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OFTASKS IN ONES FIELD OF EXPERTISE.

THE ENGRS OBLIGATIONS INCLUDE COMMITMENTS TOPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, THE DETERMINATION TOALWAYS ACHIEVE A HIGH STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ANDCONSISTENTLY ENSURING A SOUND JUDGMENT INDECISION MAKING.

7 1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION:


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7.1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION:

ENGRS SHOULD ALWAYS WORK TO ADVANCE THE

INTEGRITY AND REPUTATION OF THE PROFESSION

CONSISTENT WITH PUBLIC INTEREST.ENGRS SHOULD AS APPROPRIATE:

PROVIDE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROFESSION &

AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES ETHICAL PRACTICEOF ENGRING.

SHOULD NOT PROMOTE THEIR OWN INTEREST AT THE

EXPENSE OF THE PROFESSION, CLIENT OR EMPLOYER.

ENSURE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS EXCEPT WHEN

INCONSISTENT WITH PUBLIC INTEREST

SHOULD ALWAYS AVOID FALSE STATEMENTS AND THOSE

THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED SPECULATIVE, VACUOUS,

7 1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION contd:


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7.1 OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION cont d:

ENGRS SHOULD ENSURE THAT CLIENTS,

EMPLOYERS AND SUPERVISORS KNOW OF THEIR

COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL CODE OF

ETHICS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH

COMMITMENT.

7 2 COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE


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7.2 COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCEENGINEERS SHALL ENSURE THAT THEIR FINAL OUTPUT

MEET THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS POSSIBLE.

AIM TO ACHIEVE HIGH QUALITY AND ACCEPTABLE COST,IRRESPECTIVE OF TRADE OFFS. SUCH TRADEOFFS SHOULD

BE CLEAR TO AND ACCEPTED BY THE CLIENT & EMPLOYER.

IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS ETHICAL, ECONOMIC, LEGAL &ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE PROJECTS.

7.2.3 ENGRS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE

REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS, BY APPROPRIATE

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE,

FOR THE PROJECT THEY ACCEPT TO EXECUTE.

7 2 COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE- contd


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7.2 COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE- cont d

ENSURE THAT THEIR OUTPUT MEET THE HIGHEST

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND SHOULD NOT DEPART

FROM SUCH STANDARDS UNLESS WHEN ETHICALLY ORTECHNICALLY JUSTIFIED.

UNDERSTAND CLEARLY THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR

PROJECTS THEY UNDERTAKE.

ENSURE REALISTIC ESTIMATES OF COST, SCHEDULING,

QUALITY AND OUTCOMES ON ANY PROJECT AND

PROVIDE UNCERTAINTY ASSESSMENT OF THEIR

ESTIMATES ENGINEERS SHOULD ENSURE ADEQUATE

DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING PROBLEMS

ENCOUNTERED AND SOLUTIONS ADOPTED FOR ANY

PROJECT EXECUTED.

NEED FOR SOUND JUDGEMENT


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NEED FOR SOUND JUDGEMENT ENGRS SHALL MAINTAIN INTEGRITY & INDEPENDENCE

IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT AND AS

APPROPRIATE: ONLY ENDORSE DOCUMENTS PREPARED UNDER THEIR

SUPERVISION OR WITHIN THEIR AREAS OF COMPETENCE

AND WITH WHICH THEY ARE IN AGREEMENT.

MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVITY WITH ENGRING

DOCUMENTS THEY ARE ASKED TO EVALUATE.

NOT ENGAGE IN CORRUPT PRACTICES SUCH AS BRIBERY,

DOUBLE OR INFLATED BILLING, OR OTHER IMPROPERFINANCIAL PRACTICES.

DISCLOSE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, THOSE

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED IN

THE PROJECT

NEED FOR SOUND JUDGEMENT contd


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NEED FOR SOUND JUDGEMENT cont d

SHOULD REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY PROJECT

IN WHICH THEY, THEIR EMPLOYERS OR CLIENTS

HAVE UNDISCLOSED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

DISCLOSE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, THOSE

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT CANNOT BEAVOIDED IN THE PROJECT

SHOULD REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY PROJECT

IN WHICH THEY, THEIR EMPLOYERS OR CLIENTS

HAVE UNDISCLOSED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT


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8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCTENGRING ETHICS IS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS PLACE

ALONGSIDE OTHER WELL ESTABLISHED

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS SUCH AS MEDICAL,NURSING, BUSINESS & LEGAL ETHICS. THESE

PROFESSIONS HAVE WEBSITES ON THE

CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT OF THEIR MEMBERS.MOST ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE UNWRITTEN CODES

OF CONDUCT FOR THEIR STAFF WHILST OTHERS

SPELL OUT WHAT SHOULD BE REGARDED ASMISCONDUCT.

SINCE TO ENGR IS HUMAN THE NIGERIAN

SOCIETY OF ENGRS IS BEGINNING TO RECEIVECOMPLAINTS ON ENGRS MISCONDUCT.

8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT


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8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS SENIOR STAFF CONDITIONS OF

SERVICE DEFINES MISCONDUCT AS GENERAL CONDUCT TOTHE PREJUDICE OF THE GOOD NAME OF THE

ESTABLISHMENT AND/OR OF DISCIPLINE AND THE PROPERADMINISTRATION OF BUSINESS OF THE UNIVERSITY. THISINCLUDES CORRUPTION, DISHONESTY, DRUNKENNESS INTHE COURSE OF DUTY, AND FALSE CLAIMS AGAINST THEUNIVERSITY, INSUBORDINATION, DIVIDED LOYALTY

(CONFLICT OF INTEREST) , NEGLIGENCE, FALSIFICATION ANDSUPPRESSION OF RECORDS AND CONVICTION FOR ACRIMINAL OFFENCE OTHER THAN TRAFFIC OFFENCE,ABSENCE FROM DUTY WITHOUT LEAVE FOR TWOCONSECUTIVE OR MORE NIGHTS WITHOUT SATISFACTORY

REASON, DISOBEDIENCE OF ANY INSTRUCTION ISSUED BY ACONSTITUTED AUTHORITY, FAILURE TO APPEAR OR TOANSWER QUESTIONS SATISFACTORILY IN ANYINVESTIGATIVE PANELS SET UP BY THE ESTABLISHMENT ONMATTERS OUT OF ABOVE REGULATIONS.

8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT: contd


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8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT: cont dAN INTERNET SEARCH WOULD REVEAL THAT CASES OF

MISCONDUCT ARE NOT AS RAMPANT IN ENGINEERING

DISCIPLINE AS IN OTHER PROFESSIONS. ENGINEERS ARE TAUGHT TO BE FAMILIAR WITH CODES

AND STANDARDS FOR THEIR DISCIPLINES AND TO

INTRODUCE A REASONABLE FACTOR OF SAFETY IN THEIR

DESIGNS. THEY ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO COLLABORATE

WITH THE LOCAL STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

SUCH AS THE STANDARDS ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA.

HOWEVER, NEGLECT OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS ANDINADEQUATE ENFORCEMENT OF CODES AND STANDARDS

ARE THE CAUSES OF THE FEW ENGINEERING FAILURES IN

NIGERIA.

8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT: contd


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8 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT/MISCONDUCT: cont d

IN ACADEMICS, PLAGIARISM IS A SERIOUS

OFFENCE. IT IS INTERESTING THAT SOME

COMPLAINTS ON PLAGIARISM HAVE BEENRECEIVED BY THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF

ENGINEERS. ALL ENGINEERS HAVE

RESPONSIBILITY TO BUILD A GOOD IMAGE FORTHE SOCIETY AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE

CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPACT OF THEIR ACTIONS

ON THE PUBLIC IMAGE OF THEIR PROFESSIONS.

9 ENGINEERING FAILURES


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9 ENGINEERING FAILURES

ALTHOUGH THE ENGINEERS EFFORTS AT CREATING AND

BUILDING SYSTEMS TO MEET SOME NEED ARE EXPECTED

TO BE FAIL PROOF, FAILURES DO OCCUR. ENGINEERINGSYSTEMS ALSO FAIL OVER TIME AS A RESULT OF AGING,

MATERIAL FATIGUE OR WEAR AND TEAR.

THE ENGINEER MUST DESIGN TO AVOID FAILURE WHICH

COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY OR

DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT. A COMBINATION OF

FACTORS LEAD TO SYSTEM OR EQUIPMENT FAILURES.

THESE INCLUDE HUMAN FACTORS, DESIGN FLAWS,MATERIAL FATIGUES, EXTREME CONDITIONS OF

OPERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. OFTEN,

NEGLECT OF ENGINEERING ETHICS IS A ROOT CAUSE OF AN

ENGINEERING FAILURE.

9 ENGINEERING FAILURES- Contd


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9 ENGINEERING FAILURES Cont d

AN ETHICAL ENGINEER IS ONE WHO:

I. AVOIDS CONFLICT OF INTEREST

II. DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO MISREPRESENT HIS

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE SO AS TO ACCEPT

JOBS OUTSIDE HIS AREA OF EXPERTISE.

III. ACTS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF SOCIETY AND

ENVIRONMENT

IV. FULFILLS THE TERMS OF THEIR CONTRACT IN A

PROFESSIONAL MANNER

V. PROMOTES THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG

ENGINEERS WITHIN THE FIELD.

con


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A SEARCH FOR OUR WORLDS WORST ENGRING

FAILURES/DISASTERS WOULD COVER COLLAPSE OF BUILDINGS

AND OTHER STRUCTURES, NATURAL DISASTERS SUCH AS

EARTHQUAKES AND OIL SPILLS. SOME OF THE WELL

DOCUMENTED FAILURES INCLUDE:

I. COLUMBIA SPACE SHUTTLE/CHALLENGER SPACE-SHIP

DISASTERII. FAILURE OF SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT CONCORD

III. BHOPAL CHEMICAL LEAK WHICH CLAIMED 2000 LIVES

IV. COLLAPSE OF BRIDGES FROM WIND DAMAGE

V. CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR POWER PLANT EXPLOSION AND FIRE

VI. EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL, ALASKA 1989, 10MILLION

GALLONS SPILLED

VII. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI HYATT REGENCY HOTEL FAILURE


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WHEN FAILURES OCCUR, ENGINEERS SHOULD

PROVIDE AN ANALYSIS REPORT BY CONSIDERING

THE ETHICAL ISSUES THAT MIGHT HAVE BEENPARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURES.

THIS SHOULD INCLUDE INFORMATION ON WHAT

FAILED, WHY IT FAILED, POSSIBLE WAYS OFPREVENTING SUCH FAILURES AND WHO WAS AT

FAULT.

9.1 LOCAL ENGINEERING FAILURES AND ARBITRATION


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THE INVESTIGATION, FAILURES & ANALYSISCOMMITTEE (IFAC) OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OFENGRS HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO VISIT EVERYSITE OF ENGRING FAILURE, ACCIDENT ORCOMPLAINT SO AS TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSE OFSUCH DEVELOPMENT. THIS IS NECESSARY TO

ENSURE THAT SUCH OCCURRENCE IS PREVENTED INFUTURE & TO REDUCE THE DANGER TO THE PUBLICARISING FROM ACTIVITIES OF ENGRS. APPENDIX 1SHOWS A LIST OF SOME OF THE COLLAPSED

BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, BOMB & FIRE DISASTERSIN THE COUNTRY IN RECENT TIMES. ONE MAYRECALL REPORTED COLLAPSED BUILDINGS THAT ARE

NOT IN THIS LIST.

9.1 LOCAL ENGRING FAILURES AND ARBITRATION contd


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THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CASES OF COLLAPSED BUILDINGS

IN LAGOS, ABUJA AND OTHER MAJOR TOWNS. IN NIGERIA.

THIS PROMPTED THE THEN PRESIDENT OF NSE, ENGR.

SOMOLU TO WRITE TO INITIATE ACTION IN 2003 TO REDUCE

SUCH INCIDENTS.

HE SUGGESTED THAT APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES

CONCERNED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION OFPUBLIC BUILDINGS SHOULD ENSURE THAT:

1. APPROVAL OF ALL DRAWINGS, STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL

AND MECHANICAL SHOULD BE DONE BY ONLY REGISTERED

ENGRS.

2. SUPERVISION OF BUILDING PROJECTS SHOULD BE DONE AT

VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION BY QUALIFIED

PROFESSIONALS & APPROVALS OBTAINED FOR EACH STAGE

BEFORE THE PROJECT IS CONTINUED TO COMPLETION.

9.1 LOCAL ENGRING FAILURES & ARBITRATION contd


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AFTER THE BOMB BLAST AT IKEJA CANTONMENT ARMORY, OFJANUARY 2003, THE PRESIDENT OF NSE PROPOSED AN NSETEAM OF EXPERTS TO PROFESSIONALLY EVALUATE THE

IMMEDIATE & FUTURE EFFECTS OF THE SERIOUS EXPLOSIONSON THE BUILDINGS, BRIDGES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURALFACILITIES IN LAGOS.

THIS WAS SEEN AS A CONTRIBUTION TO LAGOS STATE THEENTIRE NATION. RECORDS DID NOT SHOW THAT THE PROJECT

WAS EXECUTED. THE NSE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SPONSOR SUCHSTUDIES WHICH CAN BE USEFUL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEENGRING PROFESSION.

THE EXPLOSIONS WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THE MININGDIVISION OF NSE, WHO SOMETIMES DEALS WITH EXPLOSIVES,

AN OPPORTUNITY TO INVESTIGATE THE STANDARDS FORSTORAGE OF SUCH LETHAL WEAPONS, & UNRAVELLING WHYTHE DISASTER OCCURRED. THE FACT THAT THOUSANDS OFNIGERIANS LOST THEIR LIVES WOULD HAVE LED TO MORESERIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF THE DISASTER BY THE NSE.

9.1 LOCAL ENGRING FAILURES AND ARBITRATION contd


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HE SUGGESTED THAT APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES

CONCERNED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION OF

PUBLIC BUILDINGS SHOULD ENSURE THAT:IT CONSIDERED EXPEDIENT THAT IFAC SHOULD BE

ASSISTED TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN ITS INVESTIGATION

OF STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND OTHER DISASTERS IN THE

COUNTRY.

IFAC SHOULD PROVIDE MORE DETAILED REPORTS ON

STRUCTURAL FAILURES IN THE COUNTRY. THE CAUSES OF

THE FAILURES SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED.INFORMATION ON ACTIONS TAKEN BY RELEVANT

AUTHORITIES TO PREVENT A REPETITION OF SUCH

FAILURES SHOULD BE COMPILED.



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IFAC AND ALL THE COMMITTEES OF NSE SHOULD BE

ADEQUATELY FUNDED BY THE SOCIETY TO ENSURE THAT THEY

CAN CARRY OUT ANY INVESTIGATIONS, PROVIDE REPORTS

AND HOLD SEMINARS ON ACTIVITIES OF ENGINEERS THAT

AFFECT PUBLIC SAFETY.

NSE RECORDS HAVE NOT SHOWN, ANY CASE OF AN ENGR

BEING INVESTIGATED OR SANCTIONED FOR INADEQUATE

DESIGN OR UNPROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY THAT LED TO A

STRUCTURAL FAILURE OR BUILDING COLLAPSE.

IN FACT IN SOME CASES OF BUILDING COLLAPSE THEOWNERS DID NOT USE PROFESSIONALS FOR THE DESIGN &

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDINGS & EVEN APPROVED

DRAWINGS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.



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THE CURRENT EFFORT BY THE INSTITUTE OF

TOWN PLANNERS IN CONJUNCTION WITH FIVE

OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES TO DEVELOP ANATIONAL BUILDING CODE SHOULD LEAD TO

SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE PROCEDURE OF

COMMENCING & SUPERVISING A BUILDINGPROJECT AND ENSURING THAT IT IS ADEQUATELY

COMPLETED & READY FOR THE PURPOSE IT IS

DESIGNED.ENGRS, BY THE CODE OF ETHICS, ARE

COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT THE INCIDENCE

OF FAILED ENGINEERING PROJECTS ARE REDUCED

TO A MINIMUM.

10. CASE STUDIES IN ENGINEERING ETHICS.


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THE IFAC OF THE NSE HAS PROVIDED REPORTS ON THEVARIOUS BUILDING FAILURES IN THE COUNTRY. THISCOURSE GIVES ENGRS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VALUATE THE

REPORTS & THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY RELEVANTAUTHORITIES. IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE MISTAKESINHERENT IN REPORTED FAILURES ARE NOT REPEATED,CASE STUDIES OF SOME LOCAL & FOREIGN ENGRING

FAILURES ARE SUMMARIZED.

(I)THE ABERDEEN THREE [4] : IN 1989, THREE ENGRSWORKING ON DEVELOPING CHEMICAL WEAPONS AT A USARMY FACILITY, THE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND INMARYLAND, WERE INDICTED FOR A CRIMINAL FELONY.THEY WERE TRIED 7 CONVICTED OF ILLEGALLY HANDLING,STORING & DISPOSING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE INVIOLATION OF THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION &RECOVERY ACT FORM 1983-1986.

10. CASE STUDIES IN ENGINEERING ETHICS contd


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THIS CASE SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF THEENGRING PROFESSIONS SOCIAL &

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, IN BOTHLEGAL AND MORAL TERMS.

IN ADDITION, IT SERVES AS AN IMPORTANT CASESTUDY IN THE ESCALATING PUBLIC CONCERNOVER ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOXIC WASTE, ANDTHE WAYS IN WHICH GOVERNMENT IS CALLEDUPON TO REGULATE ENGINEERING BUSINESS.

ABERDEEN THREE IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL FORSTUDENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING;HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO A USEFUL CASE FORSHOWING ENGINEERING STUDENTS THEIR

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE

. .(II) KANSAS CITY MISSOURI HYATT REGENCY HOTEL


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(II) KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI HYATT REGENCY HOTELWALKWAYS COLLAPSE [4] :

AS THE UNITED STATES MOST DEVASTATING STRUCTURAL

FAILURE, IN TERMS OF LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURIES, THEKANSAS CITY HYATT REGENCY WALKWAYS COLLAPSE LEFT114 DEAD AND IN EXCESS OF 200 INJURED. IN ADDITION,MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN COSTS RESULTED FROM THE

COLLAPSE, & THOUSANDS OF LIVES WERE ADVERSELYAFFECTED, ALL BECAUSE OF DISPUTED CONVERSATIONSBETWEEN THE ENGRING DESIGN FIRM & A FABRICATOR, &NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE CONTRACTING

ENGRING FIRM. THE CASE PROVIDES A VIVID EXAMPLE OFTHE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURACY & DETAIL IN ENGRINGDESIGN & SHOP DRAWINGS (PARTICULARLY REGARDINGREVISIONS), & THE COSTLY CONSEQUENCES OF

NEGLIGENCE IN THIS REALM.

10. CASE STUDIES IN ENGINEERING ETHICS contd.


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THE CASE IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN STRUCTURAL

DESIGN, STATICS AND MATERIALS CLASSES.

(iii) ACCEPTING GIFTS AND AMENITIES [4] :

MOSTLY ENGRS PROBABLY BELIEVE THAT ACCEPTING

SMALL FAVORS (SUCH AS INEXPENSIVE PENS) FROM

VENDORS IS PERMISSIBLE. BY CONTRAST, MOST ENGRSPROBABLY BELIEVE THAT ACCEPTING LARGE GIFTS OR

AMENITIES IS WRONG. DRAWING THE LINE BETWEEN

PERMISSIBLE & IMPERMISSIBLE INSTANCES OF ACCEPTINGGIFTS & AMENITIES IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. THIS CASE

INVITES ENGRS TO THINK ABOUT THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN

SUCH DECISIONS. IT IS PARTICULARLY APPLICABLE TO

CONSULTING ENGRS.

13 SUITE OF CODES OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS


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13. SUITE OF CODES OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS.

(1) CODES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS FOR

ENGINEERS (SEE APPENDIX B).

(2) NSE CODE FOR ENGINEERING CONDUCT

(SEE APPENDIX C).

(3) ENGINEERS CODE OF CONDUCT (SEEAPPENDIX D).

(4) IEEE CODE OF ETHICS (SEE APPENDIX E).

REFERENCES


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1. ENGR JOHNSON B: ENGINEERING CAREER IN ORGANIZED

PRIVATE SECTOR/PRIVATE PRACTICE, NSE LAGOS BRANCH

TECHNICAL PAPER, 17TH NOV, 1998.

2. OKORO C.C: NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS AND THE

CHALLENGE FOR CHANGE, 15TH KASIM MEMORIAL LECTURE,

NSE LAGOS BRANCH, SHERATON HOTEL IKEJA, 14TH AUG 2001.

3. SHONUBI F.A: SUSTAINABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM ANDENGINEERING, 15TH OCT LECTURE, NSE, 4TH OCT 1996.

4. ENGINEERING ETHICS: THE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE

ETHICS.TAMU.EDU/ETHICS/ESSAYS/BROCHURE.HTM.

5. ENGINEERING DESIGN PROFESSIONAL ETHICSPROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL

PRACTICE LITERATURE AVAILABLE AT THE WEBSITE

HTTP://WWW.IS.CITYU.EDU.HK/RESEARCH/RESOURCSE/ISWORL

REFERENCES contd
http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/RESEARCH/RESOURCSE/ISWORLD/ETICS/INDEX.HTMhttp://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/RESEARCH/RESOURCSE/ISWORLD/ETICS/INDEX.HTMhttp://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/RESEARCH/RESOURCSE/ISWORLD/ETICS/INDEX.HTM


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6. IEEE INC, AND THE ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTING

MACHINERY INC, JOINT TASK FORCE ON SOFTWARE

ENGINEERING ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALS PRACTICES(ADAPTATION OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION).

7. NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS: INVESTIGATION AND

FAILURE ANALYSIS COMMITTEE (IFAC) MINUTES AND

RECORDS.

8. HTTP//WWW.MATSCIENG.SUNYSB.EDU-ENGINEERING

DISASTERS AND LEARNING FROM FAILURE.

9. HTTP//WWW.ENOUGH.CORNEL. EDU- LIST OF SOMEENGINEERING SUCCESS AND FAILURES.

10. UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS REVISED CONDITIONS OF

SERVICE GOVERNING SENIOR STAFF.

REFERENCES contd


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11. OKORO C.C: THE SEARCH FOR STANDARDS FOR

ENGINEERING PRACTICE IN NIGERIA; CHAIRMAN,

CODES AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE, NIGERIAN

SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS.

12. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR ENGINEERS (IPDH)PDH ENGINEER.COM COURSE L-1002 BY EDWARD

BRUNET, JR, P.E.

13. CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERSWWW.IEINEHA.ORG/CODE ETHICS-PE.HTM

14. NSPE CODE OF ETHICS FOR ENGINEERS

WWW.NSPE.ORG/CODE OF ETHICS/INDEX.HTM

LIST OF SOME COLLAPSED BUILDINGS STRUCTURES
http://www.ieineha.org/code%20ethics-pe.htmhttp://www.nspe.org/codehttp://www.nspe.org/codehttp://www.ieineha.org/code%20ethics-pe.htmhttp://www.ieineha.org/code%20ethics-pe.htmhttp://www.ieineha.org/code%20ethics-pe.htm


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LIST OF SOME COLLAPSED BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES,

BOMB AND FIRE DISASTERS IN NIGERIA FROM THE

FAILURES AND ANALYSIS COMMITTEE OF THE NSE

1. IKEJA CANTONMENT BOMB EXPLOSIONS.

2. DAMAGE TO LEVER BROTHERS JETTY-APAPA.

3. EXPLOSION AT IDUMAGBO STREET, LAGOS.

COLLAPSED BUILDING, HOUSING EXPLOSIVES, 2-2-

2003, SEVERAL LIVES LOST.

4. TILTED 3-STOREY BUILDING AT 25 FUNSHO

DAWODU AVENUE, OFF ORILE IGANMU EXPRESS-

ROAD, SURULERE LGA.

5. FIRE DISASTER AT AUDITOR GENERAL OFFICE,

SECRETARIAT, ALAUSA, LAGOS STATE.

APPENDIX A contd


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6. COLLAPSED BUILDING OF SAQUE COMPREHENSIVE

COLLEGE, DIOBU, PORT HARCOURT, JANUARY 1991.

7. STRUCTURAL FAILURES AT THE UNITED HIGH SCHOOL,

IKORODU, SEPT 1991.

8. COLLAPSED BUILDING AT NO 17 MURTALA MOHAMMED

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ROAD, IKEJA JULY 1994.

9. DISTRESSED STRUCTURE OF HOUSE D-16 HFP WAY,

DOLPHIN HOUSING ESTATE, SCHEME II, IKOYI, OCT 1999.

10. COLLAPSED BUILDING AT 34 AJISOMO STREET, OFF

NNAMDI AZIKIWE STREET, LAGOS, 13TH MAY 2003.

11. COLLAPSED HOTEL COMPLEX, MENDE VILLAGE, LAGOS.

APPENDIX A contd12 COLLAPSED 3 STOREY BUILDING AT TAPA STREET ORILE


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12. COLLAPSED 3-STOREY BUILDING AT TAPA STREET, ORILEIGANMU, LAGOS 19TH APRIL 2003: SUB-STANDARDMATERIALS USED. THE BUILDING HAD NO APPROVED

DRAWING.

13. VELODROME COLLAPSE AT THE NEW ABUJA STADIUM,18TH OCTOBER 2003.

14. FIRE DISASTER AT RAYMOND HOUSE, HEAD QUARTEROF UBA, BROAD STREET, LAGOS.

15. FIRE DISASTER AT 13-STOREY, LAPAL HOUSE 4TH JAN2003.

16. FIRE DISASTER AT 10-STOREY NNPC BUILDING, IKOYI.17. BURNT SUPER ENGRING & WEST AFRICA RUBBER

COMPANY, ODOGUNYAN, IKORODU 17TH SEPT 2002.EXPLOSION WHERE A LARGE QUANTITY OF CHEMICALS

WERE KEPT.

APPENDIX A contd18 BURNT SKY POWER AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY


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18. BURNT SKY POWER AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY

LTD, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, LAGOS.

19. BURNT CITY HALL, LAGOS ISLAND,30TH

SEPT 2003.20. COLLISION OF 2 LUXURY BUSES AT GIRI JUNCTION,

NEAR ABUJA(19-5-2003). 42 PERSONS DIED.

21. COLLISION OF LUXURY BUS WITH STATIONARY TANKER

AT NIGHT ALONG IFE ROAD (MARCH 2004). 70 PERSONS

DIED.

22. COLLAPSED STOREY BUILDING AT ACHALA LAYOUT IN

ENUGU.23. STRUCTURAL DEFECTS ON MARINA-OBALENDE

FLYOVER BRIDGE, 5TH DEC 1993.

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