Is it mandatory to whistle-blow on firms that employees do not work for according to engineering codes?

The principle guiding the ethical obligations of engineers, as highlighted in various engineering codes, emphasizes a responsibility towards promoting public safety, health, and welfare. However, these codes do not impose a mandatory requirement for whistle-blowing on firms that employees do not work for.

Instead, the codes emphasize a responsibility to act when one is in a position to influence the specific workplace or project where they are employed. The emphasis is on being vigilant and reporting misconduct or safety issues related to projects or practices directly associated with one's own employment environment. Whistle-blowing on firms outside of one’s direct employment relationship is more nuanced and often is guided by the idea of ethical responsibility rather than a strict obligation.

This understanding acknowledges that while engineers should uphold ethical standards and seek to address misconduct, the requirement to report does not extend universally across all firms outside of one's employment. Thus, the interpretation is shaped by both the context of the engineer's role and the specific nature of their employment and responsibilities.