Final answer:
The duty of care extends beyond operational hours and requires taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, as enforced by regulations like those from OSHA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the duty of care requires taking reasonable steps to prevent injury or damage only during the hours of operation of an establishment is false. Duty of care is a legal obligation which requires individuals and organizations to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others. This duty is not limited to specific hours and extends beyond the times when an establishment is open to the public. For example, OSHA regulations require employers to provide a safe workplace, eliminate hazards, and inform workers about potential risks, which is reflective of an ongoing duty of care regardless of operational hours.
In practical scenarios, like assisting a coworker in distress after work hours or aiding in a car accident on the way to an appointment, these actions would generally be considered as fulfilling a duty to avert harm, illustrating that our responsibilities towards others can supersede other commitments and are not restricted by time constraints.