1. Engineering Ethics: An International Perspective
Cathy James and Connor Boyle

2. Learning Objectives
Explain why there became a need for engineering ethics
Demonstrate knowledge of international ethics
Compare international ethics to U.S. ethics

3. Historical Background
Structural Failures
Ashtabula River railroad disaster (1876)
Quebec Bridge Collapse (1907)
Boston Molasses Disaster (1919)
Professional Engineering Organizations Adopt Code of Ethics ( )
Practice of Licensing
Slow spread until 1950’s
Quebec Bridge Collapse of 1907

4. Canada
Engineering Ethics developed in tandem with the United States and is very similar
The Regulation of Engineering is mainly handled by the provincial organisations

5. Europe
While laws and regulation may differ between countries in Europe, Engineers can become certified as an European Engineer. This designation allows them to work in any european country
The European Federation of National Engineering Associations also has a stated code of ethics which is similar to the US

6. Japan (Asia) JSCE (Japan Society of Civil Engineers)
Code of Professional Conduct
Contribute to Society
Respect both Nature and the fabric of civilization and culture
Ensure the security of society and mitigate disasters
Fulfill their professional responsibilities
Guard their integrity and avoid any conflicts of interest
Openly provide information and engage in public dialog
Make known the results of their research endeavors
Strive for self-improvement and human-resource development
Comply with established norms

7. World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO)
“The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) is the sole Body representing the engineering profession of all kind and disciplines at World Level.”
International platform for engineering related issues
To contribute to global efforts to establish a sustainable, equal and peaceful world
Founded in 1968

8. World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO)
Demonstrate Integrity
Refrain from fraudulent, corrupt or criminal practices
Be objective and truthful
Practice fairly and with good faith towards clients, colleagues and others
Practice Competently
Practice in a careful and diligent manner in accordance with their areas of competence
Practice in accordance with accepted engineering practices, standards and codes
Maintain and strive to enhance the body of knowledge in which they practice
Exercise Leadership
Practice so as to enhance the quality of life in society
Strive to contribute to the advancement of the body of knowledge within which they practice, and to the profession in general
Foster the public’s understanding of technical issues and the role of engineering

9. World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) cont.
4) Protect the natural and built environment
Create and implement engineering solutions for a sustainable future
Be mindful of the economic, societal and environmental consequences of actions or projects
Promote and protect the health, safety and well being of the community and the environment

10. International Ethics as a Whole
Most Code of Ethics from countries are similar just worded differently
Touch on common teachings of right and wrong
Public interest
Demonstrating professional competence
Preserving confidentiality
Attending to conflict of interest
Social responsibilities
Sociopolitical and cultural differences are main cause for variations of different codes of ethics
Sounds Groovy

11. Sources http://www.wfeo.org/ethics/
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Sounds Groovy