what would you do? 3

[swivel63]

i left my last firm after i was told i was uncooperative. well that's because i

a. wouldn't design without safety factors
b. i gave the owner's son (head of sales dept.) a one sided discussion on common respect and people's time.

i know of several jobs that are not built as per the engineer's design, the drawings don't match the calculations, and the as built conditions are "underdesigned."

what would you all do with that information?

i'm inclined to leave it alone.

 

[danberry]

I would put my concerns in writing and send them registered mail to your ex employer. This way you cover yourself by passing the responsability on and you can't be accused of trying to harm anyone's reputation.

 

[desertfox]

Hi swivel63

I think danberry as provided a good solution just make sure you keep a copy of the letter you send, its a good idea as your old company may have already addressed some of the issue's you have spotted and I have know idea how long ago you spotted these potential problems but if you report it now to some authority they might ask:-

1/ Why didn't you raise this when you were employed by the
company?

2/ Why have you waited till now to report it to us?

You may have already thought about this and have some good answers.

If you point out to your old company the problems and they choose to ignore it, then its there problem and if your questioned by some authority at a later date because of some accident you have a copy of the letter you sent them.

desertfox

 

[KENAT]

One thought, when the topic of resignation letters or telling an employer why you are leaving comes up most posters recomend giving little to no response.

How different is danberry's advice from telling someone why you left?

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484

 

[EddyC]

swivel63,

I wonder if your ex-employer would also use desertfox's #1 & #2 as a defense against you, if questioned by the authorities? Perhaps they might then sue you for failing to inform them promptly?

 

[IRstuff]

Particularly if he's being let go for being "uncooperative."

However, if the OP is a PE, then he is legally obligated to inform the company of unsafe designs.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[swivel63]

i actually did raise this up with them when i was there. to several of the higher ups. I was told to "ignore" it. i was still investigating other projects in which this might be an issue when i left. i wasn't there long, so the whole "you had all this time to tell us" doesn't really apply. i did what danberry suggested two days ago. i had to get the tone of my letter right as to not come off indignant or threatening.