This latest article discusses the steps that engineers can take to mitigate against technical risks often in the form of design errors appearing in their work.
In structural engineering, risk is an inevitable component of any project. Among the most critical of these risks are technical risks, which directly relate to the safety, reliability, and functionality of engineering designs and systems. Technical risks arise from uncertainties during the design, construction, and operation of structures and systems. These risks, if not properly managed, can lead to catastrophic failures, causing significant financial losses, harm to individuals, and damage to the environment.
In engineering, technical risk refers to the potential for failure or under-performance of systems or components due to design flaws, incorrect specifications, or material defects. For instance, a design error can manifest during construction or operation, leading to undesirable outcomes. It is the responsibility of engineers to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their projects.
Ethics plays a critical role in managing technical risks. Engineers are ethically bound to prioritize safety, adhere to professional standards, and ensure their designs minimize the possibility of failure. This article explores how engineers can mitigate technical risks throughout the design and construction process, emphasizing the importance of ethical practice and robust technical procedures.
Scope and Assumptions
One of the first steps in managing technical risk is ensuring the project scope and assumptions are well-defined and documented. The scope sets the boundaries of the work, outlining the specific responsibilities of each party involved. It clarifies what is expected from engineers, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders, helping to reduce confusion that may lead to technical errors.
Without a clearly defined scope, gaps in responsibility usually emerge, leading to critical aspects of the design or construction being overlooked. Furthermore, assumptions made during the design phase should be clearly recorded and revisited as the project progresses. These assumptions could include environmental conditions, material properties, or load-bearing capacities that will influence the final design. Failure to update the scope and assumptions as the project evolves may introduce technical risks that could compromise the integrity.
Also, updating the project scope and assumptions is an ongoing process. Whenever there are changes in the project’s requirements or external conditions, it is essential to reassess the assumptions and adapt the design accordingly. This ensures that the technical integrity of the project is maintained and potential risks are continually mitigated.
Roles and Responsibilities
In any engineering project, it is essential to clearly define roles and responsibilities to mitigate technical risks effectively. A lack of clarity regarding who is responsible for specific tasks can lead to significant oversights, resulting in design errors or construction failures. When individuals or teams do not understand their responsibilities, critical areas of the project may be neglected, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
Ensuring that roles and responsibilities are well defined and communicated is a fundamental aspect of managing technical risks. Each individual and organization involved must understand their part in the project, whether it is the design, review, or implementation of specific elements. This also involves ensuring that all personnel involved in the project are competent and capable of performing their assigned tasks. Competency should be measured by experience, skills, and knowledge specific to the role.
In addition, engineers must be aware of their limitations and not undertake work for which they are not qualified. Engineering ethics requires professionals to acknowledge when they lack the expertise for a particular task and to seek assistance from more qualified individuals. By fostering an environment where engineers are encouraged to ask questions and consult with peers, organizations can reduce the risk of technical errors.
Competencies
Competency is a key factor in mitigating technical risks in engineering projects. Competency refers to the combination of skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to complete tasks effectively. Without the right level of competency, even the most carefully planned projects can encounter technical difficulties.
One of the primary ways to ensure competency is through rigorous training and development programs. Engineers should be given opportunities to continuously improve their skills and stay updated on the latest technologies, design methodologies, and materials. Regular competency assessments can help identify gaps in knowledge and provide engineers with the support they need to enhance their abilities.
It is important to note that qualifications alone do not equate to competency. While certifications and degrees demonstrate a foundational understanding of engineering principles, experience in applying those principles is equally vital. Engineers should always be evaluated based on their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Additionally, engineers should be conscious of their limitations and work within their areas of expertise. When required to engage in areas outside their direct experience, they should collaborate with other professionals or seek further education to build competence.
Checking
The process of checking designs and calculations is a critical step in mitigating technical risks. Thorough checking helps to identify potential errors before they manifest during construction or operation. Engineers are responsible for conducting multiple levels of checks throughout the design and construction phases, ensuring that each aspect of the project meets safety and performance standards.
There are several levels of checking that must be conducted to manage technical risks effectively:
Self-checking: Engineers should first review their own work to ensure it meets all necessary requirements. This involves verifying calculations, reviewing design specifications, and ensuring that all design elements are consistent with industry standards.
Peer reviews: Once an engineer has reviewed their own work, it should be passed to a colleague for independent checking. This additional level of review can help catch errors that may have been overlooked during self-checking.
Third-party checking: For critical systems or high-risk components, it may be necessary to engage an independent third party to conduct a thorough review of the design. This ensures that the design is not only sound but also complies with all regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Different projects may require varying degrees of checking, depending on their complexity and potential risk factors. However, these layers of validation are essential in ensuring the technical accuracy of engineering projects.
Conclusion
Managing technical risks is an integral part of engineering practice, and it requires a combination of ethical responsibility, technical knowledge, and robust processes. Engineers must define project scopes, assign roles and responsibilities, ensure competencies, and conduct thorough checks at each stage of the project to mitigate potential risks.
Ethical behavior in engineering dictates that safety and performance are paramount. By adhering to ethical standards and focusing on the proper management of technical risks, engineers not only protect the integrity of their projects but also safeguard the public, the environment, and their professional reputations.
Also See: Engineering Ethics – Risks and Professional Indemnity Insurance
Sources & Citations
- Paul, R. (2018). “Business Practice Note No. 19: Technical Risk and Its Mitigation.” The Structural Engineer, 96(10), pp. 26–27.
- Highways Agency (2012). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Volume 1: Highway Structures: Approval Procedures and General Design (Section 1: Approval Procedures). Retrieved from: www.standardsforhighways.co.uk.
- Institution of Structural Engineers (2017). “Managing Risk and Contractual Liability.” The Structural Engineer, 95(1-12).
