In tort law, what is the principle that asserts a person should avoid acts or omissions which could foreseeably injure others?

The principle that asserts a person should avoid acts or omissions which could foreseeably injure others is known as the Neighbour Principle. This legal concept originated from the case of Donoghue v. Stevenson in 1932, where the court established that individuals owe a duty of care to those who might be affected by their actions or inactions. The idea is that one should consider the potential impact of their conduct on those who are closely and directly affected—essentially, their "neighbours" in a legal sense.

The Neighbour Principle emphasizes the importance of foreseeability in establishing a duty of care and encourages individuals to act in a manner that prevents harm to others. This principle underpins much of modern tort law by providing a framework for assessing the liability of individuals for any injuries caused by their negligent behavior. Understanding this principle is critical for grasping the broader concepts of negligence and duty of care in occupational health and safety contexts, as it highlights the responsibility individuals and organizations have to protect the welfare of those around them.