Ethical case study and Code of Ethics Development

Case: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Engineer Rocks

Nizanthi Thinagaran 1071116771

Chee Yew Bond 1071113038

Shalani Tharumanathan 1071113512

Part 1: Ethical Case Study

Section 1: Introductory Background

What is an oil spill?

A hazardous pollution where liquid petroleum

hydrocarbon was released into the eco-system

BP

-formerly known as British Petroleum

-founded in 1909

-established for more than 100 years

-responsible for Deepwater Horizon oil spill

-due to lack of engineering ethics!

15/2/2010 – Deepwater Horizon begin operation in the Gulf of Mexico.

Section 2: Problem Presentation

Timeline of the accident -

22/4/2010, 10.21am – Deepwater Horizon sank into the ocean.

20/4/2010, 7am – BP canceled experimental test.

20/4/2010, 9.45pm – Deepwater Horizon exploded and was engulfed in fire.

22/4/2010, 10.21am – Deepwater Horizon sank into the ocean.

22/4/2010, 2.30pm – Oil leakage is spotted and BP closed the area from outsider access.

15/7/2010 – The oil leakage from the ocean bottom had stopped.

19/9/2010 – The oil leakage effort had finally been concluded.

Today – The oil leakage pollution is still persisting around the affected area.

16/6/2010 – BP set up 20 billion spill response funds.

12/5/2010 – BP publicly announced the situation following the congress ruling.

Section 3: Problem AnalysisCan be analyzed from the following engineering ethics perspectives:

1. Economic Impact

2. Humanitarian Concerns

3. Regulatory Issues

4. Reputation Matters

5. Professional Responsibility

6. Legal Obligations

7. Environmental Ethics

8. Responsibility for Safety

9. Risk Assessment

Section 4: Conclusions and Suggestions

Conclusion:

BP’s lack of engineering ethics practice had cause great damage

Suggestion:

Reform and restructure BP’s managing directors board

Part 2: Code of Ethics Development

The new Code of Ethical Standards will

target on this issues:

Engineering Ethics

Engineering Safety

Public Welfare and Environment

THE END

Thank You