By: Thunderous Silence

Problems When Don asks his superior, Cal Brundage, about air quality in the workplace, the reply is that the workplace is in full compliance with OSHA guidelines. However, Don also learns that OSHA guidelines do not apply to chemicals that have not been tested. A relatively small percentage of chemicals in the workplace have actually been tested. This is also the case with the vast majority of chemicals workers are exposed to at ABC.

Problems (cont.) Should Don do anything further, or should he simply drop the matter?

Resolution The engineer is obligated to notify another superior, and if the issue is still not resolved after all possible people have been contacted. The engineer should contact a watchdog group due to the first fundamental cannon of the code of ethics, “Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.” An engineer’s professional obligation 2b, “Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.” Engineering rules of practice 1a, “If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.” Engineering rules of practice 1f states, “Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.”

The next problem Don fills out the request form and sends it to Cal's office for approval. One month later the article has still not arrived. Don asks Cal about the request. Cal replies that he doesn't recall ever seeing it. He tells Don that it must have gotten "lost in the shuffle." Don fills out another form and this time personally hands it to Cal. Cal says he will send it to the reference librarian right away. Another month passes by and the article has not arrived. Don mentions his frustration to the reference librarian. He replies that he never received a request from Cal. What should Don do now?

Resolution After months of waiting Don should make an attempt to obtain the article from an independent source. The Code of Ethics clearly states in rules of practice 6c, “Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.” In addition to getting the articles independently, Don should inform Cal’s superior about his inability to perform his job in a timely fashion. It is always important to have a paper trail, in order to conclusively prove improper performance of a superior.

Questions?