Work, Health and Safety: What are my obligations?
Posted on August 31, 2023
Under Work Health and Safety legislation, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a primary duty of care and must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the health and safety of:
- workers they have engaged, or caused to be engaged;
- workers carrying out work who are directed by or can be influenced by them, e.g. contractors; and
- anyone else who may be affected by the work carried out, e.g. visitors and the public.
Where a PCBU has a duty to ensure health and safety, they are required to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable, or if this is not possible, minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Health and safety duties are not transferrable and cannot be contracted out to another party, such as a subcontractor.
If you require practical guidance on how to fulfil your duties, we encourage you to contact us.