Foresters and the Law of Professional Negligence
The law of professional negligence imposes duties of care and standards of care on all professionals. The duties of care are based on avoidance of foreseeable risk and include the duty to:1) apply a reasonable level of skill and diligence2) warn principals, and third parties in a relationship of proximity, of risks inherent in particular courses of action, and3) avoid foreseeable harm, even if a customary practice is involved.The traditional standard of care, or level of skill that must be applied, is that of the average, reasonably competent and prudent practitioner of similar experience and standing. Conduct that falls below this standard may result in a finding of negligence in a court of law. Following a customary practice may provide a defence, unless the practice involves a risk that is foreseeable and avoidable.All foresters, as professionals, are subject to the law of professional negligence.