Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 17
Grade code: 1.1.3.LI.4
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 1.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.3.LI.4
Theme: ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Subtheme: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Welcome, future engineers! Today, we are discussing a topic that is just as important as your knowledge of mathematics or science: Ethics. In Ghana, we see engineering marvels everywhere – from the Pokuase Interchange that eases traffic in Accra, to the Bui Dam providing power, and the phone in your pocket. But what happens when the engineer building a bridge uses weak materials to save money? What happens if a factory pollutes the Densu River, which provides water for thousands? Engineering is not just about building things; it's about building them responsibly, safely, and honestly.
This section breaks down the essential ideas you need to understand. A. What are Ethics? Definition: Ethics are moral principles that govern a person's or a group's behaviour. They are the rules or standards that help us decide what is right and what is wrong. Think of it as a compass that guides our actions, especially when faced with a difficult choice. B. What is Engineering Ethics? Definition: Engineering ethics is the set of professional standards, rules, and values that engineers must follow in their work. It's a specific code of conduct for the engineering profession. Why it's special: The decisions engineers make can affect many people's lives, safety, and money. A doctor's mistake might harm one patient, but an engineer's mistake in designing a dam or a high-rise building could lead to a catastrophe affecting thousands. Therefore, engineers are held to a very high ethical standard. C. The Fundamental Principles of Engineering Ethics
These are the pillars of responsible engineering practice. All engineers must live by them. Hold Paramount the Safety, Health, and Welfare of the Public. Explanation: This is the most important principle. An engineer's primary duty is to protect the public. No project, profit, or instruction from a boss can justify compromising public safety. Ghanaian Context/Example: An engineer supervising the construction of a new classroom block in a rural community notices the contractor is using fewer iron rods in the concrete pillars than specified in the design, in order to cut costs. The ethical action is to stop the work immediately and insist on the correct materials. To ignore this would be to endanger the lives of the students and teachers who will use that building. Perform Services Only in Areas of Your Competence. Explanation: Engineers should only take on jobs they are qualified for through their education and experience. It is unethical to pretend you know how to do something when you don't. Ghanaian Context/Example: A brilliant civil engineer who designs roads is asked by a wealthy client to design the entire electrical wiring system for a new hotel. The ethical action is to politely decline the electrical design work and recommend a qualified electrical engineer. Attempting the work could lead to faulty wiring, fire hazards, and electrocution risks. Issue Public Statements Only in an Objective and Truthful Manner. Explanation: When engineers speak publicly (e.g., to the media, in a report), they must be honest, base their statements on facts and technical knowledge, and avoid misleading information. Ghanaian Context/Example: An engineer is paid by a company to write a report claiming that their factory's waste disposal into a local lagoon is "perfectly safe," even though the engineer's own data shows harmful levels of pollution. This is highly unethical. The engineer must report the truth, regardless of who is paying them. Act for Each Employer or Client as a Faithful Agent or Trustee (Avoid Conflicts of Interest). Explanation: Engineers must be loyal and honest to their clients. A conflict of interest occurs when an engineer's personal interests (e.g., family, finances) clash with their professional duty, potentially biasing their decisions. Ghanaian Context/Example: An engineer is on the committee to award a government contract for building a new road. One of the bidding companies is owned by her cousin. Her cousin's company is not the most qualified. It would be a conflict of interest to influence the committee to award the contract to her cousin. The ethical action is to disclose the relationship to the committee and remove herself from the decision-making process for that specific bidder. Avoid Deceptive Acts (Be Honest and have Integrity). Explanation: This is about overall truthfulness. It includes not falsifying data, not taking bribes, not misrepresenting your qualifications, and giving credit to others for their work. Ghanaian Context/Example: A contractor offers an engineer supervising a government project a "gift" of GHS 5,000 to approve a delivery of low-quality cement. Accepting this bribe would be a deceptive and unethical act. The engineer must reject the bribe and report the contractor's attempt to use substandard materials.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Let's analyse some scenarios together. We will read the scenario, identify the ethical issue, and determine the correct course of action.