independent contractors

• lawful visitor owed common duty of care while on occupiers land
• if visitor injured by worksman's negligent work occupier may have a defence and be able to pass the claim to the workman
• s2(4)(b) occupiers liability act 1957


  occupier can avoid liability for injuries/damage suffered by C when caused by negligence of independent contractor
• 3 requirements which all must be satisfied
• Haseldine v Daw & Son


  it must have been reasonable for O to have entrusted the work to an independent contractor
• Bottomley v Todmorden Cricket Club


  the contractor hired must be competent to carry out the task
• Wooward v Major of Hastings

  if possible O must inspect the work, check if work has been properly done