Engineering Ethics: Safety & Risk Management

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Questions and Answers

What is an important aspect of communicating risk to the public?

Focusing solely on numerical data

Using technical jargon to convey complex ideas

Avoiding discussions of uncertainty

Utilizing familiar terminology that the public understands (correct)

In tort law, what is the standard of proof required to establish negligence?

Preponderance of evidence (correct)

Clear and convincing evidence

Substantial certainty

Beyond a reasonable doubt

Which step is NOT part of the capabilities approach to risk assessment?

Define wellbeing in terms of individual capabilities

Measure the impact of hazards on individual wellbeing

Identify capabilities that might be affected by a disaster

Assess the economic feasibility of risk measures (correct)

What must engineers do to effectively defend against liability claims?

Ensure adherence to the standard of care and maintain good records Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consideration when assessing acceptable risk?

Recognizing social and ethical considerations Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for becoming a responsible engineer?

Being aware of the complexities of risk assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an effective way to communicate with the public regarding risks?

Acknowledging public concerns while providing expert information Signup and view all the answers

What does the capabilities approach aim to measure?

The impact of hazards on individual wellbeing Signup and view all the answers

How do engineers quantitatively define risk?

As the probability of harm multiplied by the magnitude of that harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a traditional focus of engineers regarding risk?

Quantifiable harms like economic losses and loss of life. Signup and view all the answers

What do design codes provide in the context of risk management?

Rules proven to ensure safety in designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern related to innovation in engineering?

Innovation generates new risks that need to be identified. Signup and view all the answers

How does the public typically perceive unfamiliar risks compared to familiar risks?

They view unfamiliar risks as more dangerous than familiar risks. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is considered essential for the public's acceptance of risk?

Free and informed consent along with equitable distribution of risk. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'voluntary risks' in the context of public perception?

Risks taken willingly by individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of operational rules in managing risk?

To ensure safety in the operation of engineering systems. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 6: Safety & Risk in Engineering

This lecture covers ethical and professional responsibilities of engineers regarding risk assessment and management.
It examines the perspectives of engineers, the public, and government regulators, along with legal implications of risk.

Responsibility to Assess and Manage Risk

Engineers define risk as the product of the probability of harm and the magnitude of that harm.
Traditionally, engineers have focused on quantifiable harms like economic losses and loss of life.

Design Codes, Operational Rules and Innovation

Design codes provide rules for producing safe designs and preventing unacceptable risks.
Operational and maintenance rules are crucial for managing risk during engineering system operation.
Innovations can increase risks; engineers must identify and address these new risks introduced by new solutions.

The Public's Perspective on Risk

The public tends to consider unfamiliar risks more dangerous than familiar ones, even with similar probabilities.
Voluntary risks are often perceived more favorably than involuntary risks.
Free and informed consent, and equitable distribution of risk, are important for public acceptance of risk.

Communicating Risk to the Public

Use clear and simple language the public understands.
Acknowledge the limitations of risk assessments.
Recognize that social and ethical considerations are essential in determining acceptable risk, beyond monetary costs.

The Engineer's Liability for Risk

Tort law addresses harm to individuals due to negligence.
The standard of proof in tort law is lower than in science or criminal proceedings.
Engineers need good records and adherence to the standard of care to defend against liability claims.

The Capabilities Approach to Risk Assessment

This approach focuses on well-being in terms of individual capabilities.
The first step is to identify capabilities that might be impacted by a disaster.
The method aims to measure the impact of hazards on individual well-being.

Becoming a Responsible Engineer

Be aware of the complexities of risk assessment and different perspectives.
Communicate effectively with the public, acknowledging their concerns, and providing expert information.
Protect people from harm, particularly from unconsented or unjustly distributed risks.

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Description

Explore the ethical and professional responsibilities engineers face in assessing and managing risk. This lecture addresses the perspectives of various stakeholders and the legal implications of risk, focusing on design codes, operational rules, and the public's viewpoint on unfamiliar risks.