Having to make ethical decisions is something that the practicing engineer faces every day on the job.  This is perhaps most important to the civil engineer.  Civil engineers provide the infrastructure of society, and as a result, have the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of the public.  Rules can not be bent or broken when public safety is the issue.

    The American Society of Civil Engineers has created a code of ethics to govern ethical decision making in engineering.  The code consists of four fundamental principles and seven fundamental canons.

    According to the code, "engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the engineering profession."  This is a tremendous responsibility, as the reputation of engineers as well as the entire profession is at stake.  Engineers achieve this goal by using their knowledge and skill, honesty and impartiality.  Their involvement in professional engineering societies also lends to the credibility of the industry.

    The ethical engineer only practices in his or her area of expertise, and will say so when he or she is not qualified to perform a task.  Honesty in all situations, from admitting fault to accepting credit for a job well done, is a key to maintaining engineering as an upstanding profession.  This also applies when the engineer gives testimony to the public.

    The goal of the engineering code of ethics is to promote ethical decision  making, and in doing so, promote the profession of engineering in the eyes of the public.  By supporting fair competition, and rejecting conflicts of interest, the engineer has been highly regarded historically.  By following the code, and doing what is right, engineers new to the field will continue to uphold this tradition.

The following links are to site with good information concerning engineering ethics.