Please note: Denning LJ sat in the Court of Appeal in this case.
Facts
A factory floor was flooded by heavy rain. The employer spread sawdust but not over every area, and a worker slipped.
Issue
Was the employer for not closing the factory?
Held
No. The employer had taken reasonable steps; closing the factory would have been out of proportion to the risk.
Principle
The cost and practicability of precautions are weighed against the risk.
Why it matters
Key authority on the cost of precautions.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Latimer v AEC Ltd [1953] AC 643 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/latimer-v-aec> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.