How to Ask for Help When You Don't Know What You Need

Sometimes when you have a problem it's hard to ask for help, because often you don't know exactly what you need. When you're sick, you don't just go to the doctor and demand an appendectomy. Instead, you explain your symptoms to the doctor and let him or her make a thorough investigation. Then the doctor can make an informed and accurate diagnosis of your ailment.

The same idea holds true when calling an engineer with a problem. Knowing how to work with an engineer can save you time and money.

Here is a list of ten steps that promote a smooth working relationship with the engineer:

1. Contact the engineer as soon as a need for engineering services is identified.
2. 
   Provide the engineer with a brief description of the case. Identify the questions you want answered and whether you want the questions answered verbally or in writing.
3. 
   Ask the engineer if he knows of any conflicts that would prevent him from working on the case.
4. 
   Discuss the engineer's ability and desire to work on the case.
5. 
   Obtain a clear understanding of the engineer's fees and normal billing practices. Discuss budget concerns.
6. 
   Once a decision has been made, let the engineer know that you want him or her to consult with you, either verbally or in writing.
7. 
   Provide documents to the engineer that describe the accident and the machinery, equipment or vehicle involved. Examples include employer's first report of injury; accident reports; witness statements; any photographs, drawings or manuals of the machinery, equipment or vehicles involved; and depositions, if taken.
8. 
   Arrange for the engineer to visit the accident scene, inspect the equipment involved and interview any parties that may have information regarding the accident.
9. 
   Discuss any research, testing or other future work you want the engineer to provide.
10. 
    Keep the engineer posted as new information is obtained.

Now that you know how to ask for what you need, let's discuss what information the engineer may need from you. A little investigating of your own before you call an engineer about an incident can be invaluable. Here's a list of information that may be helpful to an engineering investigation.

• Date and location of the incident.
• Contact person(s) and telephone numbers.
• Employer's first report of injury or loss.
• Witness, operator, supervisor and management statements taken after the incident.
• Copies of any depositions that have been taken.
• A detailed description of how the incident occurred.
• Photographs and videotapes of the incident scene before it was disturbed.
• Copies of any documents related to the original installation of the machine, or product, including but not limited to specifications, proposals, purchase orders and change orders.
• A complete set of design, fabrication, assembly, electrical and hydraulic control circuit drawings.
• Copies of any safety meeting minutes or incident reports prepared after the incident.
• Information on the employee safety training program.
• A copy of the injured employee's personnel file.
• For machinery, equipment or products; the manufacturer, date manufactured model number, serial number and local representative or distributor information.
• Copies of maintenance and run sheets for the machinery or equipment in question.
• A list of any remedial changes or improvements that were made to affect the safety of the machine or equipment following the incident.
• Set up an appointment for the engineer to inspect, photograph and videotape the machinery or equipment involved in the incident, in both an operating and idle condition. An onsite scheduled just before lunch time often allows the engineer to see the machine running. Then during the lunch break, the machine can be observed in idle condition.