We desire that our world be prosperous and safe. And it seems that due diligence has become essential to these outcomes. Due diligence (or care) is a legal concept, derived from the societal need to ensure fairness in dealings between human beings. It has been variously defined, for example:

The diligence reasonably expected from, and ordinarily exercised by, a person who seeks to satisfy a legal requirement or obligation¹ and,

A minimum standard of behaviour which provides against contravention of relevant regulatory provisions and adequate supervision ensuring that the system is properly carried out.²

Such legal obligations can be created by statute law, for example the Model Work Health and Safety Act (2011)³ or from the common law as a defence against negligence⁴.