Biffa Waste Services Ltd v Maschinenfabrik Ernst Hese GmbH

Subject Matter

NEGLIGENCE — Extra-hazardous acts — Delegation to independent contractor — Fire caused by negligence of independent contractor's employees during welding operation — Whether operation to be carried out by independent contractor exceptionally dangerous whatever precautions taken — Whether employer liable

[2009] QB 725; [2009] 3 WLR 324; [2009] Bus LR 696

VICARIOUS LIABILITY — Employment — Negligence — Defendant contracting with claimant to design and build mill at waste recycling plant — Defendant hiring independent contractor to carry out site work — Fire caused on site by negligence of independent contractor's employees — Whether independent contractor's employees to be treated as having temporarily become employees of defendant — Whether defendant liable for negligent acts

[2009] QB 725; [2009] 3 WLR 324; [2009] Bus LR 696

Appellate History