After raising a safety concern, if a junior engineer is told by a senior engineer that everything is based on standard practice, what should the junior engineer do?

When a junior engineer raises a safety concern and is met with the response that "everything is based on standard practice," it indicates that the issue may not be fully addressed by simply accepting the explanation provided. Escalating the concerns to a higher level is appropriate in this situation because safety is of utmost importance in engineering practice. The junior engineer has a professional and ethical obligation to ensure that safety concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately.

In such scenarios, if a junior engineer feels that a legitimate safety issue is being dismissed, consulting a higher authority ensures that the concern is reviewed by someone who can make decisions regarding safety protocols and practices. A higher-level authority—such as a manager or designated safety officer—can provide the necessary guidance and take further action if the issue warrants it. This course of action supports a culture of safety and accountability within the engineering profession.

While documenting the conversation and assessing one’s own position are also important steps in addressing safety concerns, they may not be sufficient if no action is being taken to resolve the issue. Accepting the senior engineer's expertise without further scrutiny may lead to a continuation of unsafe practices. Therefore, escalating the concern aligns with ethical standards and professional responsibilities in the engineering field.