Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a typical area of liability for contractors involved in asbestos abatement?

1. Product liability

2. Contractual liability

3. Employment liability

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Product liability

In the context of asbestos abatement, typical areas of liability for contractors are often related to the direct responsibilities they hold within their contracts, the safe employment practices they engage in, and their adherence to legal and safety standards to prevent negligence. Product liability is generally associated with manufacturers and sellers of products that cause harm due to defects or failure to warn about risks. Contractors involved in asbestos abatement are not typically held liable under product liability since they are not manufacturing or selling asbestos-containing products. Instead, their liabilities stem from contractual obligations to perform abatement work safely and effectively, employment-related practices in managing their workforce, and ensuring that they do not act negligently in performing their duties. Contractual liability arises from the agreements made with clients, where contractors must fulfill specific obligations. Employment liability concerns the responsibilities toward their employees, including safety and health risks. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm, which is a common area of liability for contractors engaged in high-risk operations like asbestos removal.