The engineering industry is responsible for a lot of useful, life-saving advancements. From the steam engine to modern plumbing, engineers have made our world more comfortable and easier to live in. But that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing — nor does it mean there are no risks associated with being an engineer. In fact, many dangers can arise within this field. Linkswell l is an engineering recruiting firm in the US and Canada, and their team provides insight on ten of the biggest threats engineers face.
Not all of these dangers are necessarily life threatening — in fact, they’re rarely if ever fatal. But they’re very real, and they can have a big impact on the lives of an engineer and the professional connections they establish — which is why it’s so important to be informed.
Ten Top Risks Of Engineering Industry :
1. Mechanical Failures
Testing and maintenance are vital to ensure that all of your mechanical components are functioning as expected. However, there’s always the possibility that something will go wrong. When this occurs, it’s important for an engineer to learn as much as they can about the situation so that they can come up with a solution.
2. Software Bug Detection
Compromising security isn’t just frowned upon in engineering — it’s illegal. While some of these bugs may exist below the surface, software engineers aren’t able to see them at first glance because they’re out in the open within the code itself. This means that they could potentially exploit weaknesses that the engineers themselves didn’t notice.
3. Drug Abuse
In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the use of illicit drugs in the workplace. While drug use isn’t limited to engineers or any other profession, it is an area worth considering in regard to safety protocols. Genuinely talented engineers should be able to overcome their addictions and continue with their duties without difficulty — but other employees may struggle with this, leaving them vulnerable.
4. Power Outages
Engineers are tasked with ensuring that the lights stay on around the clock, so it’s only natural for them to be concerned when a power failure occurs at work. The subsequent investigation will look at the cause of the outage, but it’s possible that this process could take some time.
5. Workplace Violence
Whether it’s a disgruntled former employee or an unruly customer, workplace violence can be a serious problem for engineers and their employer. Any threats should be taken seriously, and proper preventive measures should always be in place to minimize any danger.
6. Discrimination And Harassment Claims
Just about anyone can file a discrimination or harassment claim against you for any reason — but top engineers are those who get accused most frequently thanks to the power they wield in the workplace. Even if a claim isn’t proven, it’s still likely to damage your reputation — which can in turn affect how much money you make.
7. Sexual Harassment Claims
As with a discrimination claim, a sexual harassment claim can be hard to defend against. Despite laws that protect you from this type of behavior in the workplace, it’s still quite common for these cases to be filed. And once again, even if it fails, the ordeal can take its toll on your career and your finances.
8. Patent Claims
The process of getting a patent is extensive, and it can cost quite a bit of money to do so. But if someone else files for a similar patent before you, then it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in lawyer fees — not to mention the damage it could cause to your reputation. It’s in your best interest to take action before you’re threatened with litigation. And keep an eye out for patents being filed on devices that look similar to yours.
9. Malicious Outsiders
Outsiders never want to see engineers succeed — they’d rather do everything they can to ruin your career and prevent you from making money so that they can exploit this weakness themselves. Unfortunately, this can lead to engineering companies being targeted for cyber attacks by someone else looking to advance their own personal agenda.
10. Fraudulent Claims
Nothing could ruin your reputation and your finances faster than a fraudulent claim. It’s all too easy for someone to misrepresent themselves in an effort to cheat you out of money. This kind of scam can be dangerous because once it’s discovered, it can negatively affect your career and your family — not to mention the financial damage that can be done if you have a criminal record as a result of the fraud.
