What happens when engineers do not assume responsibility for their actions?

Question

What happens when engineers do not assume responsibility for their actions?

Answer 1

This depends on the magnitude of the failure and the type of design. For Civil and Mechanical Engineering projects involving public projects, it is very common for engineers to have to be registered as Professional Engineers (PE) in the state in which they practice. To obtain this license, which must be renewed periodically, the new engineer usually first obtains the Engineer In Training (EIT) certification, then must work and build up experience under the supervision of more experienced engineers. The PE license is only granted after the engineer takes a comprehensive written test which typically lasts 8 hours and successfully fills out an extensive application detailing work experience complete with referrals from three other PE licensed engineers knowledgable of the applicant's work.

In other engineering fields, such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, and chemical engineering, the PE license is usually not as widespread in industry because these engineers are usually not involved with projects of a public nature. However, the number of PE licensed engineers are growing for areas like product liability and product safety.

In most states, I believe that the liability for a product falls onto the company that developed it. It is rare for just one engineer to be involved in the development of a product, and it is usually teams of people working together who develop a product like a cell phone or a computer. Can a cell phone or a computer cause death or monetary loss for the user...absolutely. However, the type of harm that comes from these devices are more apt to be limited to a single individual dropping it on their foot compared to a bridge falling down or a building structure collapsing. The difference in magnitude is the reason most Civil and Mechanical engineers working to build public structures must have the PE license but other engineers do not usually have it.

What happens when a device or product fails and the company is sued? If the situation is dire enough and the product failure can be determined to be due to an engineer's incompetence, then it is likely that the engineer will be fired. In the case of engineers holding a PE license involved with a large structure, they can be held personally liable.

Answer 2

A would be dictator never assumes responsibility it is either all or nothing to them if they cant rule then they destroy .But whats curious is who is behind him? if he destroys America then what does he have left to rule? so he must be in a conspiracy with a foreign entity or some conspiratorial group of elitists But one thing is sure things will not get better the lemmings are already falling off the cliff. This country must embrace God again because Satan is laughing and flapping his wings and licking his lips in anticipation of the feast. God is our only hope only he is powerful enough to defeat this entity that is clouding the minds of man and deceiving them into following blindly into Armageddon

Answer 3

Engineers, like doctors and lawyers, have the professional responsibility to promote and protect public welfare. When an engineer does not live up to these expectations they leave themselves open to lawsuits, personal liability, loss of license, etc.

Answer 4

In addittion to everything else Listed here, the Insurance Policy[ies] , if any, are Tested, and put into Effect. The Rates also Increase for the rest of Us !

Answer 5

Actually, the innocent people often get killed and the real culprits pin the rap on a junior flunky so they can carry on their irresponsible ways. The courts that nail them to the wall are doing us all a favour.

Answer 6

There was a company working in my town last summer, and the boss liked to show his authority and he did it in the WRONG way to his customers. He talked very rude and swore at my husband. If he talked to me like that, I would have let him have it. I guess they can do whatever they want, BUT...What goes around comes around. He'll meet hiis match someday. His maker will send him South.

Answer 7

Other people at risks. Product and projects becomes faulty.

Answer 8

They get promoted and get bonuses and I make their screw ups work after they are out of the way. i get overtime and buy my wife a new miata.

Answer 9

innocent ppl get hurt

in asia bad engineers go to jail when they screw up

Answer 10

They become Politicians!