Core ethics of engineering

Engineering ethics is the set of moral principles that guide engineers in their professional work. Most professional codes, such as the fundamental canons of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), are based on the following core ethics.

1. Public safety, health and welfare come first. Engineers must put the safety of the public above the interests of clients, employers and themselves, and must report dangerous conditions.
2. Competence. They should perform services only in areas in which they are qualified, and keep their skills up to date.
3. Honesty and truthfulness. Statements, reports, test results and advertisements must be truthful and objective. Data must not be falsified.
4. Integrity and avoiding deception. Engineers should not take part in fraud, bribery or corruption, and should not accept payment that influences their judgement.
5. Faithfulness and confidentiality. They act as faithful agents of employers and clients and keep private information confidential, unless it threatens public safety.
6. Avoiding conflict of interest. They disclose any interest that could affect their independent judgement.
7. Professional conduct. They behave honourably, responsibly and lawfully, and uphold the honour and dignity of the profession.
8. Fairness and respect. They treat colleagues, clients and the public fairly, give credit for others' work and do not plagiarise.
9. Environmental and social responsibility. They consider the effects of projects on the environment and on society, and work for sustainable development.
10. Obey the law and the code. They follow laws and the code of ethics of the engineering council in their country.

These principles protect people and maintain public trust in the engineering profession.