Simona1986 wrote: » I don't think you're fear is justified, certainly not to that extent. Your organisation's QA processes should set out the review, checking and authorising procedures before any work is issued. If an error was discovered in your work, that had subsequently been given to someone else to check and then another person to authorise, I don't think there would be any question of you being personally held accountable for that error.
engineerfear1 wrote: » I don't think I can cope with the stress that this causes. I've had a few too many close calls and sleepless nights to make this career worthwhile.
Turbulent Bill wrote: » OP, every engineer makes mistakes, it's just human nature. However, there's serious issues with your employers' QA system if these can lead directly to injuries. You should raise this with them as it sounds like a systemic issue rather than one just with you. As a few suggestions, clearly state your objectives and assumptions in the design docs, so whoever is peer reviewing knows the context. Use tools (spreadsheets etc.) for repetitive work, reduces risk of typos. The most important thing though is to put value on the review and checking process within the organisation. A culture of rewarding people who find mistakes before they become problems, rather than just box-ticking, goes a long way.
engineerfear1 wrote: » I don't know what the QA system is like in other companies, but for the most part calculations go unchecked unless specifically requested to be checked. In doing so, in my eyes, would be seen as a weakness as it gives off the impression that I am not confident in my work. Go to upper management and saying that there needs to be a more rigorous checking procedure would no doubt ring alarm bells, especially if no other engineer is making a fuss about it. Why would they reform their system for one nervous employee? Why would they need this employee?
