Responsibilities of public local authorities

The end of the academic year means only one thing to children: fun and enjoyment. However, accidents have occurred in two Geneva towns, one at an organised event and the other at a beach.

Eleven children aged 6 to 10 were injured following the sudden deflation of a bouncy castle set up for a fete. Falls, grazes, bruises and haematomas, as well as a cranial trauma. Disaster was averted thanks to the speedy response of municipal employees. The equipment’s owner has decided to stop supplying this type of structure, hired by the town, while the police will be conducting an investigation to determine liability.
 
In the same region, a four year old child sustained serious injuries to his hand while using an automatic hand dryer located near the beach. The faulty equipment had no safety grille. The young child was operated on the same day, with no subsequent impairment to his hand functions (bones and joints). His parents have filed an action for negligence against the town.

Faced with this type of situation, a public local authority has responsibilities, both as the owner of property and equipment and as an events organiser. It not only has obligations towards its employees but also needs to insure itself against any incident or accident that might occur to third parties, and against errors made during the performance of public duties.