What does 'reasonably practicable' mean?

The term 'reasonably practicable' refers to a concept that balances the level of risk involved with the effort, time, and resources required to mitigate that risk. This means that what is considered 'reasonable' takes into account all relevant factors, including the severity of the hazard, the likelihood of injury, the available resources, and the costs associated with implementing control measures.

This concept is pivotal in the context of health and safety regulations, as it acknowledges that while it is important to ensure safety, it is also necessary to weigh the efforts needed against practical constraints. The aim is to achieve a safe working environment without imposing unreasonable demands on resources or operations. Thus, 'reasonably able, considering all relevant factors' accurately captures the essence of this term, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach rather than an idealistic or purely legalistic interpretation.