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The Slippery Slope: How Small Ethics Compromises Can Add Up in NDT.

Ed Korkowski

In the world of nondestructive testing (NDT), integrity isn’t just a professional ideal—it’s a necessity. A single ethical lapse in this field can lead to costly mistakes, safety hazards, or even catastrophic failures. But most ethical issues don’t start with large, obvious violations. They begin as small compromises—seemingly minor decisions that snowball over time.


Recently, a post on LinkedIn invited NDT professionals to share the most egregious violations they’ve witnessed. It sparked a lively discussion, with examples ranging from falsified reports to neglected inspections. But what stood out was the underlying theme: big failures often trace back to a series of smaller, unchecked compromises.


Let’s dive into why the cumulative effect of small ethical lapses is so dangerous in NDT—and how we can work to prevent it.


The Cumulative Effect of Small Compromises


Ethical issues in NDT rarely happen overnight. Instead, they build up incrementally, often beginning with minor shortcuts or decisions made under pressure.


Examples of Small Compromises in NDT:

Skipping a Step: Omitting a secondary check because “it’s probably fine.”

Relying on Old Data: Using last year’s results instead of performing a fresh inspection.

Misinterpreting Signals: Deciding not to investigate a suspicious signal because it’s likely just noise.

Pressure to Pass: Giving in to client or management pressure to pass a component that’s borderline at best.

Documentation Errors: Rushing through reports, leaving out details or fudging numbers to save time.


Individually, these compromises might seem insignificant. But over time, they can add up to serious consequences.


Why Small Ethical Lapses Matter

1. They Set a Precedent

Once someone justifies a minor ethical compromise, it becomes easier to repeat—and escalate. What starts as “just this once” can become a pattern of behavior.

2. They Erode Trust

Trust is critical in NDT, whether with clients, regulators, or team members. Small lapses can lead to suspicion and reduced confidence in the inspection process.

3. They Snowball into Bigger Risks

A skipped step today might not cause a problem immediately, but it can create a blind spot in future inspections. For example, relying on old data might miss a defect’s progression, leading to a failure that could have been prevented.

4. They Undermine Safety

The stakes in NDT are incredibly high. A compromised inspection can have ripple effects across industries, from power generation to aerospace. Safety failures often trace back to small decisions made early in the process.


The Root Causes of Ethical Compromises


Why do small lapses happen in the first place? Here are some common pressures NDT professionals face:

Time Constraints: Tight schedules often tempt technicians to cut corners.

Client Pressure: Clients focused on budgets and deadlines may push for favorable outcomes.

Team Dynamics: Junior technicians may feel intimidated or unsure, leading to silent compromises.

Complacency: Familiarity with the job can lead to overconfidence and reduced vigilance.

Workplace Culture: If leadership doesn’t model ethical behavior, it’s unlikely the rest of the team will prioritize it.


How to Prevent the Slippery Slope


Ethical integrity doesn’t just happen—it’s a conscious effort. Here’s how we can prevent small compromises from escalating:


1. Create a Strong Ethical Culture


Leadership sets the tone. Managers and Level III professionals must model ethical decision-making, showing that shortcuts and compromises won’t be tolerated.


2. Encourage Accountability


Foster an environment where technicians feel empowered to speak up if they see something questionable. Encourage questions, and provide mentorship to less-experienced team members.


3. Train Beyond the Code


Ethics training isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about understanding the “why” behind them. Provide real-world examples of how small lapses can lead to big failures.


4. Prioritize Quality Over Speed


Tight deadlines shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. Managers should push back when schedules are unrealistic and emphasize thoroughness over haste.


5. Document Everything


Accurate documentation is critical for traceability and accountability. Ensure reports are detailed, accurate, and reviewed regularly for consistency.


6. Reinforce Ethical Decision-Making


Use team meetings or case studies to highlight examples of ethical dilemmas and discuss how to handle them. Make ethics a regular part of the conversation.


Final Thoughts: The Cost of Compromise


The LinkedIn post reminded us all that ethical violations in NDT don’t just harm careers—they put lives and industries at risk. While the most egregious violations may grab headlines, it’s the smaller, cumulative lapses that lay the groundwork for larger failures.


As NDT professionals, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity in every inspection, no matter how minor it seems. After all, the true strength of our work lies not just in the science behind it but in the trust and accountability we bring to the job.


If you’re looking to learn more about NDT ethics, best practices, or the history of the field, visit eddycurrent.com—your trusted resource for everything NDT. From technical insights to practical advice, we’re here to help you stay at the forefront of the industry.


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