The claimants sought damages for sickness they claimed arose from exposure to radiation when erecting radio transmitter masts. The risk had been recognised, and a safety assessment undertaken and adjustments made to the transmitter power before work began, to reduce the levels below those recommended by the NRPB. The judge did not find evidence of exposure to excess levels, but failed to make a finding as to causation. He dismissed the claim.
Held: There was no obligation on a judge to make a finding on every averment. Some common sense must be applied. There were no grounds for challenging the judge’s assessment of the evidence. Riggers on transmission masts work in an environment where they are exposed to unknown dangers, because scientific knowledge is incomplete. Human rights issues were raised because one of the operators of the mast was a public body, the BBC. Nevertheless this point had arisen only on appeal, and the judge could not be criticised for failing to develop creative points.
Judges:
Lord Justice Kennedy Lord Justice Tuckey And Mr Justice Jackson
Citations:
[2002] EWCA Civ 736
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Citing:
Cited – Marcic v Thames Water Utilities Ltd TCC 10-Jul-2001
. .
Doubted – Read v J Lyons and Co Ltd HL 1946
The plaintiff was employed by the Ministry of Defence, inspecting a weapons factory. A shell exploded injuring her. No negligence was alleged. The company worked as agent for the ministry.
Held: The respondents were not liable, since there had . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Health and Safety, Personal Injury, Human Rights
Updated: 06 June 2022; Ref: scu.172239