OSH Security Practice Test

What is duty of care?

1. Anyone performing a duty must adhere to a reasonable standard of care

2. Duty of an individual to do their best while working

3. Duty to ensure everything is done to prevent injuries

4. Duty to provide a 100% secure environment under Occupier’s Liability

The correct answer is: Anyone performing a duty must adhere to a reasonable standard of care

The concept of duty of care is primarily centered on the legal obligation one has to ensure the safety and well-being of others. It asserts that anyone carrying out a task or duty must adhere to a reasonable standard of care, meaning they must act in a manner that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. This standard helps establish accountability, particularly in situations where negligence could lead to harm. While the other choices touch upon important aspects of safety and responsibility, they do not encapsulate the full legal and ethical implications of duty of care. For instance, performing to the best of one’s abilities is commendable but does not directly align with the concept, as effort is less measurable than adhering to a standard. Additionally, while it is critical to take actions to prevent injuries, the duty of care specifically emphasizes a standard of behavior rather than just an intent or effort to keep others safe. Lastly, the notion of providing a completely secure environment is unrealistic; rather, the duty of care focuses on reasonable safety measures, as achieving 100% security is often impossible. Thus, the essence of duty of care lies in that reasonable standard of care, making your selected answer the most accurate representation of the term.