OSH Security Practice Test

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, who can be considered an occupier of a private property?

1. A customer

2. A guest

3. A visitor

4. A security guard

The correct answer is: A security guard

In the context of the Occupiers’ Liability Act, being an occupier refers to someone who has a degree of control over the property and is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for others who enter that property. An occupier can be an individual, a group of individuals, or a corporation that owns or leases a property and thus has responsibilities regarding its safety. A security guard, in this case, is often employed specifically to maintain safety and security on the premises. They have a defined role in managing the property and ensuring that it is secure and that anyone entering the premises is safeguarded from potential hazards. Therefore, they can be seen as having occupier responsibilities, even if they are not the property owner. Conversely, customers, guests, and visitors are typically considered individuals who utilize the property rather than those who maintain or oversee it. They do not bear the same level of responsibility for the safety and upkeep of the premises and therefore do not fit the definition of an occupier under the Act.