Ethical Responsibility When We Are 'Grandfathered In'

As we celebrate Materials Evaluation’s annual issue honoring women in NDT, we are privileged to introduce our guest writer, Ms. Tracey Wingard. Wingard is a co-founder of TNT NDT Supply LLC and serves as its vice president of sales. A 2024 graduate of ASNT’s RISE Leadership Development Program, she has been actively involved with ASNT since 2020, holding leadership roles such as chair of the ASNT Piedmont Section, vice chair of the Sections Operations Council, and chair of the Women in NDT (WIN) Council. We asked Wingard to speak on a subject that she is passionate about, which also happens to be a topic frequently discussed by our readers on ASNT’s LinkedIn page. “Grandfathering” is a term often used in the industry to describe individuals who ignore changes in standards and refuse to implement new NDT qualification and certification requirements. We look forward hearing more of our readers’ thoughts on this important topic. —Toni Bailey, Ethics Editor

Introduction

In the field of nondestructive testing (NDT), ethics is a matter of life or death. The combination of greed and outdated mindsets, encapsulated by phrases such as “It has always been done this way” or “We are grandfathered in,” continues to hinder the industry’s progress in ethics and inclusivity. It is time to shine a light on the growing perspective that emphasizes a shared responsibility between corporations and employees, while amplifying the diverse perspectives that drive ethical decision-making. Highlighting and championing various perspectives can be a powerful catalyst for meaningful transformation. Shared Responsibility in Ethics Ethical responsibility is not the sole burden of any single entity. It is a shared obligation between corporations and the professionals who are responsible for inspections. Organizations must cultivate a culture that prioritizes ethical leadership, values every individual, promotes transparency and accountability, and consistently chooses safety over financial gain.

On the other hand, individual NDT professionals bear personal responsibilities and obligations. It is their duty to conduct thorough inspections with proper equipment, ensure processes conform to standards, and report issues honestly, all while preserving the integrity of the industry.

The Role of Diverse Perspectives in Ethical Decision-Making

Perspectives that include a wide range of voices are pivotal, bringing unique insights and innovative approaches to problem-solving, effective communication, balancing productivity with quality and integrity, and fostering accountability. When embracing the contributions made by every individual, organizations are positioned to recognize ethical dilemmas, challenge outdated practices, and implement forward-thinking solutions. Unethical behaviors are less likely to occur when more perspectives are involved in the decision-making process. Inclusivity creates a workforce where professionals feel empowered to voice concerns, reducing the risk of negligence and fostering collaboration.

Corporate Culture: The New Norm

Ethical decision-making and inclusivity should be the standard, not the exception. The cultural norm should have depth, with layers emphasizing ethics, safety, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. Additionally, valuing all perspectives of a diverse team enhances operations and productivity. Prioritizing ethics and inclusivity increases public safety and builds trust among employees and consumers. This cultural shift reduces the risk of negligence and aligns with the NDT industry’s mission of keeping the world safe.

Conclusion

In NDT, we must continually evolve ethically, culturally, and technologically to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Shared responsibility between corporations and employees is essential. However, amplifying the voices of the less heard is crucial. Their perspectives can drive the cultural and ethical transformation needed to move beyond outdated practices. By adopting a new mentality, we can ensure that ethical decision-making and inclusivity become the norm in NDT. Together, we can create an industry where innovation and integrity go hand in hand, reducing risks and building a safer, more inclusive future.

Editor’s note: We now ask you, the reader, to think about the concept of grandfathered status that allows a company to continue ignoring changes to standards. What are your experi- ences regarding this topic? What are your thoughts on companies that never update equipment, materials, or procedures? We would like to hear from the NDT community. Please visit our LinkedIn page (linkedin.com/company/asntinfo/posts/) to comment on our related post.

Author: Tracey Wingard is an accomplished professional with a background in customer service and business management. She co-founded TNT NDT Supply LLC and serves as its vice president of sales, playing a pivotal role in establishing the company as a trusted supplier in the NDT industry. A 2024 RISE graduate, Wingard has been actively involved with ASNT since 2020, holding leadership roles such as chair of the ASNT Piedmont Section, vice chair of the ASNT Sections Operations Council, and chair of the Women in NDT (WIN) Council. Additionally, she has contributed to Greenville Technical College’s Welding Advisory Board and helped revive the Western Carolina Section of AWS. Her passion for leadership, networking, advocacy, and giving back to the industry drives her continued commitment to making a meaningful impact in NDT.

Ethics Editor Antionette (Toni) Bailey: TB3 NDT Consulting LLC ASNT/NAS 410 NDT Level III (MT, PT, RT, UT, ET, IRRSP) toni@tb3ndt.com