What ethical obligation do engineers have regarding public safety?

Engineers have a fundamental ethical obligation to ensure that their work promotes public welfare. This principle is rooted in the professional responsibility engineers have to society. They must consider the health, safety, and general well-being of the public in all their projects and decisions. This means that engineering designs, consultations, and practices must take into account the potential impact on the environment, the safety of the end users, and the broader community.

By prioritizing public welfare over other interests, engineers are not only adhering to ethical standards but also contributing positively to society. This duty is emphasized in various codes of ethics from professional engineering organizations, which guide engineers to place the safety and interests of the public above personal gains or strict adherence to instructions that may otherwise jeopardize safety.

The other options reflect a focus on profit maximization, liability limitation, or secrecy, which do not align with the ethical priorities expected of engineers that emphasize the paramount importance of public safety.