Mike is an OACETT C.

OACETT IEPPE Question Answer

Mike is an OACETT C. Tech. He works for a municipal government in their infrastructuredepartment. He is responsible for designing and approving the sewage and water management systems in new residential developments. Mike is currently revising the design for the sewage and water management system for a development that is six months behind schedule due to a series of worker and materials shortages. The developer is also experiencing severe financial pressures, as a result of cost over runs caused by the shortages. As he is revising the sewage and water management system designs, Mike notices a flaw in the water catchment system built around a small lake that is a key selling feature of the residential development. The design flaw means that, while the relevant standards are still met, in severe rainfall events the catchment system will be very susceptible to flooding. The flooding may in turn make the area dangerous for the residents using the park and recreational area around the lake. Mike brings this design flaw to the attention of his manager. His manager then schedules a meeting with the developer to discuss the design flaw. The developer indicates that the design cannot be changed due to budget constraints and existing commitments to the present design. Mike’s manager then communicates this to Mike. He directs Mike to stamp the designs. What should Mike do in this situation?

If Mike chooses to stamp the designs, what would the main issue be when it comes to professional practice?

Conduct or an act relevant to the practice of engineering technology that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by technology professionals as disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional.

Failure to make responsible provision for complying with applicable statutes, regulations, standards, codes, by-laws, and rules in connection with work being undertaken by or under the responsibility of the practitioner.

Undertaking work the practitioner is not competent to perform by virtue of their training and experience.

Failure to act to correct or report a situation that the practitioner believes may endanger the safety or the welfare of the public.

Explanation:

1. Why is this a Professional Ethics Issue?

Mike is being asked to stamp a design that he knows poses a risk to public safety.

Even though it meets minimum regulatory standards, engineering and technology professionals must prioritize safety over financial concerns.

2. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

OACETT’s Code of Ethics states that members must "hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public."

Ontario’s Professional Engineers Act and the Ontario Building Code require professionals to report any potential hazards or defects in infrastructure projects.

If Mike stamps the design despite knowing the risks, he could be:

Held responsible if flooding occurs and causes harm.

Subject to an ethics complaint and possible discipline from OACETT.

Liable for negligence if legal action is taken against the municipal government.

3. Why Option D is Correct

✅Mike has an obligation to act when a public safety concern exists.✅Stamping the designs without addressing the flaw is a failure of professional duty.✅OACETT requires members to report safety concerns, even if their employer pressures them to proceed.

4. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. (Disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional conduct)????Incorrect

While unethical, this does not fully capture the fact that the issue is a failure to act on a safety hazard.

B. (Failure to comply with regulations)????Incorrect

The design meets current regulations, but the ethical concern is that it still poses a safety risk.

C. (Lack of competence)????Incorrect

Mike is competent in his role, but he is being pressured to ignore an identified risk.

????Real-World Example:

In 2018, the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapsed, killing six people.

Engineers had identified cracks in the structure but did not take action before the collapse.

Had they refused to approve the design without corrections, lives could have been saved.

Mike’s situation is similar—failure to act on known risks can have serious consequences.

[Reference:, OACETT Code of Ethics – Public Safety & Professional Responsibility, Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act – Obligation to Report Safety Risks, Professional Engineers Act (Ontario) – Duty to Report Unsafe Designs, , ]

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Mike is an OACETT C.

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Mike is an OACETT C.

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