Reporting Unethical Practice

Report unethical engineering practice

Engineers shall report violations of the code and illegal practice that endanger the public. Start with those in authority and the engineer involved. If internal notice fails and the public remains at risk, notify the appropriate authority or licensing board. Complaints must be factual and in good faith.

$Internal$: Notify employer/client/engineer first
$Escalate$: Authority or board if public still at risk
$Good faith$: Factual complaints, not reckless rumors

Step-by-step solved example

A PE sees a colleague stamp noncompliant fire-exit plans after being told internally. The owner will occupy next week. Next step?

1. Internal already failed
The public will be endangered when the building is occupied.
2. Escalate
Notify the building official and, as needed, the licensing board. Do not seal or stay silent.

Answer: Notify the authority (and board if needed); protect the public.

10 practice questions

0/10 correct

1.First step when you see unsafe practice inside the firm is usually

2.If internal notice fails and the public is endangered, you should

3.Reporting a colleague's fraud to the board is

4.Anonymous rumors without facts should

5.Engineers shall report

6.Retaliation against a good-faith reporter is

7.A PE who discovers a hidden safety defect in last year's design should

8.Failure to report a known dangerous violation can be

9.Board complaints should be

10.Whistleblowing is a last resort after