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Reasonable judgement

Date posted
13 July 2026
Type
Explainer
Estimated reading time
9 minute read

This video explores the concept of reasonable judgement in occupational health and safety, particularly within the context of British law. It explains how professionals use reasonable foresight and practicability to assess and control risks, and how legal precedents have shaped the understanding of what constitutes "reasonable" behaviour. The video also introduces competency benchmarking as a tool for evaluating decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Define reasonableness using legal precedents and practical examples.
  • Apply competency benchmarking to support safety decisions.
  • Recognise the value of collective judgement in risk assessment.
  • Distinguish between public, technical, and expert knowledge categories.
  • Use stakeholder involvement to strengthen safety decisions.

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Last updated: 14 August 2026

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