EngineeringEthics_Safety and Risk P1.pdf

Engineering Safety: The responsibility of engineers to design systems, processes, and products that minimize the possibility of harm.
Safety in engineering is not just about preventing accidents but also about promoting a safe environment through preventive measures.

1. SAFETY AND RISK
UNDERSTANDING SAFETY AND RISK IN
ENGINEERING

2. THE CONCEPT OF SAFETY2
•Safetyrefers to the condition in which risks are minimized, and the likelihood
of harm is reduced to an acceptable level.
•In engineering, safety involves eliminating or controlling hazards through
careful design and operational practices.
•Engineering Safety: The responsibility of engineers to design systems,
processes, and products that minimize the possibility of harm.
•Safety in engineering is not just about preventing accidents but also about
promoting a safe environment through preventive measures.

3. RISKS3
•Riskis the probability or likelihood of harm or injury occurring, combined with
the severity of the potential consequences.
•Risk Factors: Engineers assess both the likelihood of an event happening and the
potential harm it could cause (physical injury, environmental damage, economic loss,
etc.).
•Understanding risks is vital to creating effective safety protocols and minimizing
potential dangers.
•Different engineering fields may assess risk differently depending on the
complexity and scale of the systems involved (e.g., nuclear, civil, aerospace, etc.).

4. ACCEPTABILITY OF RISK4
•Acceptable Risk: A level of risk that society or individuals are willing to
tolerate in exchange for the benefits a particular activity or technology brings.
•Acceptability varies depending on the context, individuals’ perception, and the
nature of the risk.
•Public vs. Personal Risk: Public risk refers to risks that affect society at large,
while personal risk relates to individual exposure to harm.
•Engineers must ensure that risks are kept within acceptable limits and that
potential harm is justified by the expected benefits.
•Public perception of risk and how it affects acceptance plays a critical role in
decision-making.

5. ACCEPTABILITY OF RISK FACTORS
1-VOLUNTARISM AND CONTROL
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•Voluntarism: Refers to the extent to which individuals have control over whether they are
exposed to a particular risk.
•Voluntary Risks: Risks that people choose to take, such as smoking or extreme sports.
•Involuntary Risks: Risks that are imposed on individuals without their consent, such as exposure to
pollution or industrial accidents.
•Control: The degree to which individuals can influence or manage the risks they face.
•High Control: Risks where people can actively mitigate or avoid harm (e.g., wearing safety gear, opting
out of risky activities).
•Low Control: Risks that individuals cannot avoid or influence (e.g., exposure to environmental hazards or
natural disasters).
•Acceptability: People are generally more willing to accept risks they voluntarily take on and
have some control over, as opposed to risks imposed without consent or control.

6. ACCEPTABILITY OF RISK FACTORS
2-EFFECT OF INFORMATION ON RISK
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•Information and Perception: The way risks are perceived by the public can be
significantly affected by the amount and quality of information available.
•More Information = Better Risk Management: Having detailed knowledge about risks can help people
make informed decisions and reduce fear.
•Uncertainty:Lack of information or unclear communication about a risk often leads to heightened fear
and lower acceptance of the risk.
•Risk Communication: Effective communication about the nature, likelihood, and
consequences of risks can shape public acceptance.
•Transparent communication can enhance trust and help people understand the necessity of certain risks.
•Misleading or incomplete information can cause panic, misinterpretation, or unjustified concern.
•Examples: The public’s varying response to technology, such as genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) or nuclear energy, often depends on the transparency and clarity of
available information.

7. ACCEPTABILITY OF RISK FACTORS
3-JOB-RELATED RISKS
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•Job-Related Risks: These are risks individuals take on as part of their employment,
often in high-risk industries like construction, mining, healthcare, and manufacturing.
•Risk Acceptance in Employment: Workers typically accept higher levels of risk if the
rewards (financial compensation, job security, etc.) are perceived to justify the risks.
•Workplace Safety: Companies must balance risk with safety measures and ensure that
workers are fully informed about potential hazards.
•Ethical Considerations: Employers have a moral responsibility to minimize risks and
provide a safe working environment, including training, proper equipment, and clear safety
protocols.
•Voluntary vs. Involuntary: In some cases, employees may feel they have little choice
but to accept risky conditions due to economic pressures, creating an ethical dilemma.
•While risks in the workplace are often seen as unavoidable, voluntary choice can also play a
role (e.g., working in a dangerous industry for a higher salary).

8. ACCEPTABILITY OF RISK FACTORS
3-MAGNITUDE AND PROXIMITY
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•Magnitude: The severity of the consequences of a risk influences its acceptability.
•High Magnitude: Risks with catastrophic outcomes (e.g., nuclear accidents, environmental
disasters) are less acceptable, even if the probability of occurrence is low.
•Low Magnitude: Minor risks with less severe outcomes (e.g., minor workplace injuries)
tend to be more acceptable as they are seen as part of everyday life.
•Proximity: The physical or emotional distance from a risk also affects how it is
perceived.
•Immediate Risk: People tend to react more strongly to risks that are immediate and
direct, such as exposure to a toxic substance at a workplace.
•Distant Risk: Risks that are perceived as distant (in time or space), such as climate change
or long-term environmental pollution, may be deemed less urgent, leading to lower public
concern and acceptance.

9. CLASS ACTIVITY
Safety Procedures for Wind Turbine Platform Construction
•Objective:
As an engineer working on the construction of a platform for a wind turbine, your
goal is to identify and outline key safety procedures that should be implemented to
ensure the safety of the construction team and the integrity of the project.
•Scenario:
You are tasked with overseeing the construction of a platform that will support a
wind turbine. This platform must be built in a remote location, exposed to varying
weather conditions, and must adhere to strict safety and environmental regulations.
The project involves heavy equipment, working at heights, and complex assembly of
the wind turbine components.
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12. CLASS ACTIVITY12
•Write 5 to 7 bullet points outlining the key safety proceduresyou
would consider to minimize risk and ensure the safety of everyone
involved in the project.
•Consider the Following Factors:
•Site conditions (e.g., weather, soil, terrain)
•Personal safety (e.g., PPE, working at heights)
•Equipment safety (e.g., crane, lifting equipment)
•Environmental considerations (e.g., impact on local wildlife, nearby
infrastructure)
•Emergency response (e.g., accident protocol, weather-related procedures)

13. END