Risk is an inherent part of all engineering activities, so it is essential that all engineers and technicians are able to identify, assess, understand and appropriately manage risk. It is also crucial to be able to communicate about risk to others, both professionals and the public.  

To support this, the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the engineering profession in the UK, has issued updated Guidance on Risk. This guidance is suitable for engineering professionals at all career stages, and across all sectors and specialisms.

The Guidance on Risk describes the role of all those engaged in engineering in dealing with risk, and their responsibilities to society.

The revised Guidance on Risk sets out the key stages of managing risk and emphasises the need to exercise informed judgment and identify what is an acceptable level of risk – the risk appetite.

This Guidance sets out six principles to ensure all engineering professionals integrate understanding of the environment and sustainability of resources into all aspects of their work:

1. Apply professional and responsible judgment and take a leadership role
2. Adopt a systematic, broad and holistic approach to risk identification, assessment, management and review
3. Comply with legislation and codes, but be prepared to suggest or promote further improvements
4. Ensure good contextual communication with the others involved
5. Ensure that sustainable systems for oversight and scrutiny are in place
6. Contribute to public awareness of risk

Alasdair Coates CEng FICE MCIHT CMIOSH, CEO of the Engineering Council said:

“Engineers have a crucial role to play in assessing and managing risk, especially as they frequently work in safety critical areas. This updated Guidance on Risk supports individual engineers and technicians by providing key principles that can be incorporated into their daily practice with engineering teams, inter-disciplinary teams and when communicating risks to the wider public.”

The full Guidance on Risk leaflet, along with a convenient wallet card of the six principles, can be downloaded free from: www.engc.org.uk/risk

The Guidance is reviewed periodically and, following a consultation with the engineering community, this edition replaces and updates the previous Guidance. The Engineering Council also produces guidance on Security, Sustainability and Whistleblowing, in addition to the Statement of Ethical Principals, published jointly with the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng). This Guidance is reviewed regularly and can be found at: www.engc.org.uk/guidance