Throughout documented time, engineers have struggled with the value provided through innovation versus the negative impact of that innovation. The products and systems of engineering have a substantial human impact when the product is flawed or the design in inadequate or unsafe. The Hippocratic Oath for physicians evolved since initialized before 300BC. Just as medical practitioners are required to do no harm in the course of their work, engineers also have a unique responsibility to ensure the result of their endeavors are useful and not harmful. Prior to the mid-19^th  Century engineers bore this professional responsibility through personal conviction alone.

The awareness of the unique professional responsibilities of engineers rose to prominence during the 19^th  Century and beginnings of 20^th  Century when the value of engineers and technological innovation became more significant to societies. The Industrial Revolution drove significant industrial development. Manufacturing and civil infrastructure was increasing throughout developed communities and nations. These major changes drove the need for more engineering talent. As a result, professional engineering organizations emerged to improve professionalism and skills within each field.

The rise of rapid development for bridges and railroads also saw a large number of structural failures. Unfortunately, too many of these bridges collapsed resulting in loss of life. These catastrophes most often occurred during extreme conditions when the structure was under considerable load.

These engineering failures led to the development of professional engineering societies to establish standards for ethical and professional behavior.