Engineer A is a civil and structural engineer who is hired to do structural insp
ID: 1713363 • Letter: E
Question
Engineer A is a civil and structural engineer who is hired to do structural inspection on Owner B house. The original Home Inspector B was not satisfied that the building was structurally safe due to some visible cracks of basement wall. He recommended that Owner B, who had made an offer to purchase the house depending on a satisfactory inspection, hire Engineer A to inspect the foundation of the house. Upon visual inspection, Engineer A determines that the house was in average structural condition for its age and construction type, was not in imminent danger of collapse, but that some improvements could have been made in connection with earlier renovations to the property. However, Engineer A observes that the moisture levels in the basement were excessive, there is evidence of mold and fungus, and recent repairs exhibiting drainage and moisture insulation problems need to be addressed. Owner B and Home Inspector B were present at the time of Engineer A's site visit. Engineer A presents several options for remedying the moisture issue, which in Engineer A's opinion would have a positive impact on the structure. However, the discussion shifts away from the structural conditions and toward health issues related to the home (e.g., respiratory issues, black mold, asthma). Now, Owner B is left in uncertain situation thinking that should he buy the house with risks (due to different opinions) or look for another one? Hint Answer the following question considering what are Engineer A's obligations under the circumstances? Answer the following question 1- What is the ethical dilemma in this case? (7 POINTS) 2- What are the ethical issues involved in this case?-Write two issues (16 POINTS) Use individual Ethical Issues. 3- (Ethical Framework): (20 POINTS) What Engineer A should do in this case based on NSPE code of ethics?-Use two Canons, and two related Rules of Practice from Section II of the NSPE code of ethics. 4- (Moral Framework): (20 POINTS) What Engineer A should do in this case based on Moral theories and beliefs (apply Virtue Ethics, Use Duty and Rights Ethics)? 5- (Preventive Ethics): (7 POINTS) What could be an UNETHICAL or IMMROAL behavior in this case (Choose one)?Explanation / Answer
1. The Engineer A is in a situation whether to focus on the structural safety aspects of the building or the health issues resulting from mold and fungus present in the basement due to excessive moisture.
2. The following ethical issues are involved in the above case:
(i) Public health issue(like respiratory infection,asthma etc.) arising from excessive moisture levels in the basement which has to be primarily addressed by the Engineer so as to be morally truthful and honest.
(ii) The structural safety of the building also has to be given importance by the Engineer and he has to give the correct opinion regarding that.
3. Based on the fundamental canons of NSPE code of ethics,the Engineer A has to do the necessary actions:
(i) As a Structural Engineer,he should suggest appropriate remedial measures so as to rectify the moisture issues(in the basement).
(ii) As a truthful and honest Engineer,he should present a correct report regarding the present structural condition of the building.Considering safety and health of the occupants in the building(owner and his relatives),the Engineer should also suggest actions to correct drainage problems and other minor repairs in the building.
Based on the Rules of Practice from section - II of NSPE code of ethics,the Engineer has to do the following actions:
(i) The Engineer shall approve only those documents that confirm to applicable standards while doing the structural inspection.
(ii) The Engineer should look into the fact that no violation of the code of ethics is made and if it is made,he should immediately report to appropriate professional bodies or public authorities concerned.
4.(i) Based on moral theories and beliefs,the Engineer is morally responsible for his actions. He should look into the moral obligations rather than the rules of ethics.The Engineer should be driven by good virtues. (inculcated in him by his parents and elders).
(ii) Based on duty and rights ethics,it is the duty of the Engineer to alert the owner about the risks associated with the house but he has no right to force or brainwash the owner in buying the house.
5. On the part of the Engineer,it is purely unethical to hide the true facts about the negative aspects of the building( moisture issues and structural safety) to the owner.It is also unethical to give wrong and incorrect facts about the building to the owner as this may lead the owner to take wrong decision.
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