Opinion ID: 2612437
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Exception for Inherently Dangerous Activities

Text: The second exception to the independent contractor rule considered by the court of appeals applies where the work to be performed is inherently dangerous. In such cases the employer is liable for injuries resulting from negligent performance of the work by an independent contractor. For this exception to apply, the work must involve a risk of harm that cannot be eliminated by exercising reasonable care. Restatement §§ 416, 427; Bible v. First Nat'l Bank, 21 Ariz. App. 54, 57, 515 P.2d 351, 354 (1973). Because Ft. Lowell is liable under the principles of Restatement § 422(b), its possible vicarious liability based on inherently dangerous work becomes a moot question. We note, however, that neither party in this case presented any evidence to the trial court that the specific electrical work undertaken in this case either is or is not inherently dangerous. We do not deal with labels, but only facts. Electrical work may or may not be inherently dangerous, depending on the type of work involved or the circumstances. See Bible, 21 Ariz. App. at 57, 515 P.2d at 354; Annotation, Liability Of Employer With Regard To Inherently Dangerous Work For Injuries To Employees Of Independent Contractor, 34 A.L.R. 4th 914, 926 (1984).