Statements or advice causing physical harm to persons or property

Example: B engages A, a builder, to construct a warehouse for him. A asks C, an engineer, if standard 15 cm steel beams will be sufficient to carry the roof across a distance of seven metres. Relying on his memory, C says, "Yes, that will be fine - those beams can span seven metres safely." But C's memory is faulty. The beams are only suitable for a span of up to six metres. When A places the roofing on the beams the structure collapses, injuring A and destroying equipment in the vicinity.

Comment: Making a statement is a special type of act, but it is nevertheless an act, i.e. something which may or may not be done. Because of this, there is no special difficulty in treating statements made or advice given in the same way as other acts when they result in physical harm. Therefore a duty of care towards the plaintiff can exist in these situations, based on the same rules as other acts causing physical harm.