ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What liability might a health coach face if distracted while spotting a client during heavy lifting?

1. Negligence due to an act of commission

2. Negligence resulting from an act of omission

3. An act of gross negligence

4. An act of limited liability

The correct answer is: Negligence resulting from an act of omission

When considering the liability a health coach might face while spotting a client during heavy lifting, the key concept is understanding the distinction between acts of omission and commission. An act of omission refers to failing to take necessary action that a reasonable person would take, which could directly lead to harm or injury. In this scenario, if a health coach becomes distracted while spotting a client, they are failing to perform their duty of care. This negligence due to inattention or failure to act appropriately can result in serious consequences for the client, such as injury from dropping weights or losing control while lifting. In contrast, acts of commission involve taking action that leads to harm, such as intentionally spotting a client incorrectly or using poor technique. While these could also lead to liability, the situation described emphasizes the implications of being distracted—essentially, not fulfilling the responsibility of effective oversight during a critical activity. Gross negligence typically refers to actions that demonstrate a severe lack of regard for the safety of others, often characterized by recklessness, which is not the primary focus here. Limited liability typically pertains to legal protections regarding the amount of financial liability a company may face; thus, it does not directly relate to the personal negligence of an individual health coach in this context. Therefore, the liability