A Code of Conduct

Professional engineers are all familiar with the responsibilities to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public.  I find it interesting that the majority of professional engineers have never had a class nor taken an exam on the subjects of public safety or public health.  The term welfare, as in the well being of the public, is so broad and abstract that it is difficult to establish just what our responsibilities are in this context.

What about a new list of ideas that better defines our professionalism and our code of conduct.  Four elements come to mind.  First is an expectation of selflessness - - as professional engineers we place the needs and concerns of those who depend on us above our own.  Second is an expectation of skill - - that we will aim for excellence in our knowledge and expertise.  Third is an expectation of trust-worthiness - - that we will be responsible in our personal behavior toward our charges.  The fourth is discipline - - where professional discipline is following prudent procedure and in functioning with others.  The fourth is the most important and the hardest - - humans are build for novelty and excitement, not for careful attention to detail.  Discipline is something we have to work at - - yet it is the most import professional attribute that loops back to the goal of public safety, health, and welfare.