OSH Security Practice Test

What is the definition of negligence?

1. An act one does intentionally to another resulting in injury or loss

2. An act causing personal injury to a person

3. Failure to provides a reasonably safe and healthy work environment

4. Failure to use reasonable care and attention

The correct answer is: Failure to use reasonable care and attention

Negligence is defined as the failure to use reasonable care and attention, which can lead to unintended harm or injury to others. This concept is central in legal contexts, especially in tort law, where it is used to assess whether an individual or entity acted in a manner that fell short of the standard of care expected in a given situation. When someone does not exercise reasonable caution and care in their actions, resulting in damage or injury to another party, they may be deemed negligent. The other definitions provided do not comprehensively encompass the concept of negligence. For example, intentional acts or causing personal injury refers more to intentional torts rather than negligence. Simply providing a safe work environment is a related responsibility but does not capture the broader definition of negligence itself. Thus, the understanding of negligence as a lack of reasonable care is critical for assessing liability in both personal injury cases and workplace safety.