Tort Law and Product Liability
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes tort law from contractual obligations?

  • Tort law is primarily concerned with punitive damages.
  • Tort law involves a generalized legal duty to avoid harm. (correct)
  • Tort law can only arise from acts of commission.
  • Tort law only applies to written agreements.
  • Which condition is least relevant for establishing a duty to warn in product liability?

  • Effectiveness and feasibility of a warning.
  • Consumer's prior knowledge of the product's risks. (correct)
  • Probable seriousness of injuries that could occur.
  • Potential for an accident when the product is used.
  • In the context of product liability, which entity is primarily responsible for regulating automobile fuel safety?

  • CPSC (correct)
  • FDA
  • EPA
  • OSHA
  • Which of the following statements regarding privity of contract in product sales is accurate?

    <p>Privity only exists between the seller and immediate buyer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the certification label required by the Consumer Products Safety Act?

    <p>Compliance with safety provisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario necessitates a warning label on consumer products?

    <p>The danger is complicated and not easily understood. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT an essential component of a consumer product warning label?

    <p>Contribution to product marketing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the required method for a CSP to submit a formal complaint regarding a safety issue?

    <p>Be in writing, notarized, and submitted to BCSP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As a CSP, if you encounter a design you believe is flawed, what is your most responsible course of action?

    <p>Decline to approve due to lack of expertise. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a safety inspection, you find a serious safety hazard. Which action should be your initial priority?

    <p>Notifying the responsible supervisor for immediate corrective action. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement incorrectly defines ethics in a workplace context?

    <p>It is purely descriptive and does not influence actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When offered a monetary compensation for participating in a HAZOP, what should a CSP consider as the best practice?

    <p>Refuse the offer and provide assistance free of charge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions qualifies as fraud in the context of professional conduct?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is considered a canon of professional conduct for safety professionals?

    <p>Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When a safety professional identifies an imminent danger, the most appropriate initial action is to:

    <p>Notify the operation supervisor and recommend immediate corrective action (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is least likely to influence ethical decision-making?

    <p>Language background (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many points are awarded for attending a two-day professional conference that includes at least 50% safety topics?

    <p>1.0 points (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of safety-related content must be present in a conference for certification points to be applicable?

    <p>40% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a safety professional regarding ethics?

    <p>To provide consultation beyond their expertise (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When charges of unethical conduct are filed against a Certified Safety Professional, what must be done?

    <p>Write them down and send a copy to BCSP and the individual affected (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately reflects the responsibilities of a safety professional according to ethical guidelines?

    <p>Offering services only within their area of expertise (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ethical obligation of a safety professional upon discovering an imminent danger that is not rectified?

    <p>To report the situation to OSHA without delay (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which act provides protections for individuals with disabilities in the workplace?

    <p>Americans with Disability Act (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the expression 'res ipsa loquitur' imply in product safety litigation?

    <p>Negligence is presumed when an accident occurs that wouldn't happen without someone's fault. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does the statute of limitations for product liability cases typically start according to recent rulings?

    <p>When the injury has occurred. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard is NOT true?

    <p>It obligates employers to provide extensive training to all employees. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are punitive damages also referred to in tort law?

    <p>Exemplary Damages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates an 'Anticipatory Breach of Contract'?

    <p>One party indicates they will not perform their contractual duties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What requirement is NOT a part of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard?

    <p>Ensuring all chemical exposures lead to immediate reporting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context does 'res ipsa loquitur' apply to negligence claims?

    <p>It applies to accidents that normally do not occur without negligence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of damages is intended to punish the defendant in a tort case?

    <p>Punitive Damages (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for anticipatory breach?

    <p>Anticipatory Repudiation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes protection in contracts related to unforeseen natural disasters?

    <p>Force Majeure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of contract governs leasing a vehicle between a consumer and a dealership?

    <p>Executory Contract (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In disability terminology, what condition does 'Quadriplegic' refer to?

    <p>Spinal cord injury (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is described by the term 'demented' in disability terminology?

    <p>Alzheimer’s disease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'epileptic' indicate in disability terminology?

    <p>Seizure disorders (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which legal framework protects a company's trade secrets in the U.S.?

    <p>Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key element of a valid contract was violated if one party is misled about the nature of the goods being sold?

    <p>Mutual consent of parties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered an essential element of a valid contract?

    <p>Monetary considerations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can indicate that consent in a contract is not free?

    <p>Misrepresentation of terms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is a tort?

    A civil wrong that results in harm to another person, for which a court may provide a remedy. It arises from a general legal duty to avoid causing harm, and can happen through actions (commission) or inaction (omission).

    Duty to Warn in Product Liability

    In product liability cases, this concept requires manufacturers to warn consumers about potential dangers associated with their products. The warning must be clear and effective to prevent accidents.

    Privity in Product Liability

    The concept of 'privity' in product liability refers to the direct contractual relationship between two parties. In the case of a product sold through multiple parties, privity only exists between the parties who directly engaged in the sale.

    What is NOT part of the Consumer Products Safety Act (CPSA) certification label?

    The Consumer Products Safety Act (CPSA) requires manufacturers, distributors, and private labelers to provide a certification label that indicates the product meets safety standards. However, the CPSC identification number is not part of this mandatory label.

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    When is a consumer product warning label not necessary?

    A consumer product warning label is unnecessary if the danger posed by the product is obvious and easily recognizable. For example, a hot stove or a sharp knife would not require a specific warning label.

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    What is NOT required on a consumer product warning label?

    A warning label for a consumer product must clearly communicate the potential harm associated with the product, and the responsible party (manufacturer, distributor, or private labeler) must provide this warning. However, the specific permissible exposure limit (PEL) or threshold limit value (TLV) for the product is not typically included on the label.

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    Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

    This act ensures a safe and healthy work environment for employees by setting standards and enforcing them through inspections.

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    Res Ipsa Loquitur

    The expression "res ipsa loquitur" in product safety litigation means that the negligence of another party is assumed due to the nature of the accident that wouldn't occur without negligence.

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    Product Liability Statute of Limitations

    The statute of limitations for product liability doesn't start until an injury occurs, regardless of when the product was purchased.

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    OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

    The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires manufacturers, importers, or distributors of hazardous chemicals to provide clear and concise labels on containers and create Safety Data Sheets.

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    Punitive Damages

    Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar future misconduct.

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    Anticipatory Breach of Contract

    Anticipatory Breach of Contract happens when one party clearly demonstrates their intent to break the contract, even before the actual breach.

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    What should a CSP do when finding a hazardous situation?

    A CSP should prioritize immediate corrective action and inform the supervisor responsible for the hazardous situation.

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    What is ethics?

    Ethics deals with moral values, distinguishing right from wrong, and establishing principles and obligations, not simply describing facts.

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    Can a CSP accept a flat fee from a contractor for helping with a HAZOP study?

    As a CSP, you should decline any compensation for helping an outside contractor with a HAZOP study. Your primary duty is to your company and avoiding conflicts of interest.

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    What should a CSP do when asked to approve a pressure vessel design?

    A CSP should not approve a pressure vessel design without thorough review or necessary adjustments. It's essential to ensure safety and competence.

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    Where should a written complaint against a CSP be submitted?

    Written complaints must be submitted to specific parties, including the individual affected, BCSP, and ASSE president.

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    Anticipatory Breach

    A breach of contract that occurs when one party indicates, before the time for performance, that they will not fulfill their obligations.

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    Anticipatory Repudiation

    Also known as anticipatory breach, it occurs when one party clearly signals their intention to breach the contract before the performance date.

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    Force Majeure

    A clause in contracts and insurance policies that provides a legal basis for parties to be excused from their obligations due to unanticipated events beyond their control, such as natural disasters.

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    Executory Contract

    A type of contract where both parties have yet to fulfill their obligations. For instance, a car lease agreement where the lessee has not yet made all payments and the lessor has not yet fully transferred ownership.

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    Quadriplegic

    A person who has suffered a severe injury to their spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of all four limbs.

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    Demented

    A person who displays signs of significant cognitive decline and impairment due to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, resulting in a loss of memory, reasoning, and social functioning.

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    Epileptic

    A person who experiences recurrent seizures, which are sudden episodes of unusual electrical activity in the brain.

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    Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA)

    A legal framework designed to protect companies' secret processes, techniques, or formulas that provide a competitive edge. It safeguards against unauthorized disclosure or use of such information.

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    Mutual Consent

    The common understanding and agreement between parties in a contract, ensuring that both parties share the same understanding of the terms and obligations.

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    Free Consent

    Consent is a key element of a valid contract, but it must be free from coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation. When these factors are involved, consent is not considered free and the contract can be challenged.

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    Fraud

    A situation where someone intentionally deceives another person for personal gain, often involving the use of false information or actions.

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    Misrepresentation

    A statement made that is not true, either intentionally or unintentionally, that influences someone's decision.

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    Coercion

    Using force or threats to make someone do something against their will.

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    Canons of professional conduct

    The guiding principles that dictate ethical conduct in a profession.

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    Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

    The principles that guide safety professionals to prioritize the well-being of the public over personal gain or company pressure.

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    Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

    The ethical obligation for safety professionals to communicate information truthfully and objectively, avoiding bias or personal gain.

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    Stage of moral development

    The stages of moral development in a person, affecting their ethical decision-making process.

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    Locus of control

    The degree to which someone believes they control their own life and actions.

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    Continuing Certification (COC) points for conferences

    The number of points earned for attending a professional conference for continuing certification must be at least 50% safety-related content.

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    Provide advice only in areas of expertise.

    A Certified Safety Professional must provide advice and consultation only in areas where they have the necessary expertise and knowledge.

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    Study Notes

    Tort Law

    • Tort denotes a common law civil wrong for which a court provides a remedy.
    • Tort arises from a general legal duty to avoid causing harm to others.
    • Tort can arise through acts of omission and/or commission.
    • Tort does not arise from an explicit promissory agreement between parties.

    Product Liability and Duty to Warn

    • Product liability involves the concept of "duty to warn."
    • The potential for an accident if the product is used without warning is a criterion for determining a duty to warn.
    • The probable seriousness of injuries is a criterion for determining a duty to warn.
    • The effectiveness and feasibility of a warning are criteria for a duty to warn.
    • Laws, or regulations, applicable to the warning are not a criterion for determining whether there is a duty to warn.

    Regulatory Agencies and Safety

    • The EPA regulates automobile fuel safety.
    • The CPSC is not involved in regulating car fuel safety.

    Privity in Product Liability

    • Privity exists between a company that sells a product to another company, which in turn sells the product to a consumer.
    • Privity does not exist between the original seller and the consumer who subsequently buys the product from a retailer.

    Consumer Products Safety Act

    • Manufacturers, distributors, and private labelers of consumer products that are subject to the Consumer Products Safety Act must certify that their products comply with the act's provisions.
    • The CPSC identification number is not part of a compliance certification label.
    • A statement of compliance is part of the certification label.
    • Identification of a manufacturer or distributor is part of the certification label.
    • Identification of a private labeler is part of the certification label.

    Avoiding Product Warning Labels

    • The need for a product warning label is eliminated if the danger is obvious.

    Consumer Product Warning Labels

    • Warning labels must indicate the potential for harm.
    • Warning labels must be easily understood (well-communicated).
    • The manufacturer, distributor, or private labeler is responsible for providing the warning.
    • The applicable PEL or TLV is not required on consumer product warning labels.

    Workers' Rights and Abilities for the Job

    • Decisions on whether workers can do the job are made using the Americans with Disability Act.

    Res Ipsa Loquitur

    • Res ipsa loquitur is a legal principle where it is assumed a party's injury was caused by another party's negligence.

    Product Liability Statute of Limitations

    • The statute of limitations for product liability cases begins to run when an injury occurs.

    OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

    • The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard addresses hazardous chemicals.
    • Hazardous chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors must prepare container labels.
    • Hazardous chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors must create Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
    • Employers are responsible for providing mandatory training for those who have potential or exposure to hazardous chemicals.

    Punitive Damages

    • Punitive damages are also known as exemplary damages.

    Anticipatory Breach of Contract

    • Anticipatory breach of contract occurs when one party stops performing according to contract terms.
    • Anticipatory breach can also be known as anticipatory repudiation.

    Force Majeure in Contracts

    • Force majeure clauses provide protection for parties if unforeseen events prevent contract fulfillment.

    Executory Contract

    • A contract for car leasing is classified as executory.

    Quadriplegic in Terminology

    • A quadriplegic is a person with a spinal cord injury.

    Demented

    • A person described as demented usually has Alzheimer's disease.

    Epileptic

    • A person termed epileptic has seizure disorders.

    Trade Secrets

    • The Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) protects trade secrets.

    Valid Contract Element (Offer and Acceptance)

    • A crucial element of a valid contract is mutual consent of each party.

    Essential Elements of a Valid Contract (Money)

    • Monetary considerations are not an essential element of a valid contract; rather, consideration is a fundamental concept.
    • Free consent is a fundamental; fraud, misrepresentation, and coercion can invalidate contractual consent.
    • All three of these can invalidate contract consensus

    Professional Conduct (Safety Professionals)

    • Safety professionals are bound by ethical codes of conduct.
    • One such code requires them to prioritize public safety, health, and well-being.
    • The safety professional should be truthful and objective in their public statements.
    • Safety professionals are expected to act as faithful agents for their employers when performing their services.

    Responding to Imminent Danger Hazard:

    • When a safety professional identifies an imminent hazard, the most appropriate action is to notify the supervisor and recommend corrective actions.

    Ethical Decision-Making:

    • Variables which affect ethical/unethical decision making include stage of moral development and organizational environment.
    • Language background does not affect ethical/unethical decision making.

    Continuance of Certification (COC)

    • Certified Safety Professionals earn points by attending professional conferences.
    • Conferences must have at least 50% safety-related material to be eligible.

    COC Points for Conferences:

    • Attending a 2-day professional conference with at least 50% safety-related matter entitles one to 1 COC point.

    Safety Professional's Code of Ethics

    • Following the professional's code of ethics to provide a safe work environment, involves advice and consultation only within their area of expertise.
    • Ethical conduct means reporting imminent workplace dangers that are not corrected, not providing advice outside expertise and not requesting disciplinary actions for unsafe acts repeatedly

    Reporting Unethical Conduct

    • Reports of unethical conduct against a certified safety professional should be addressed in writing, along with a copy given to the affected individual.

    Expert Consultation for Safety Professionals

    • A certified safety professional should use their expertise in any professional and regulatory duties; they can't take on tasks outside their expertise.

    Safety Inspection and Immediate Action

    • If a safety professional finds a hazard that is immediately dangerous, they should first inform the responsible supervisor and work toward immediate corrective action.
    • In case of imminent threat, the immediate action should focus on safely mitigating the threat first.

    Conflict Between Morality and Law or Ethical conduct:

    • Legal requirements, religious beliefs, and family/friends' beliefs can sometimes conflict with moral principles.

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    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts of tort law, including the definitions, criteria for product liability, and the duty to warn. It also touches on regulatory agencies involved in safety matters. Test your knowledge on these important legal principles governing civil wrongs and product safety.

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