The obligation
PCBUs cannot transfer their health and safety responsibilities to another person, including when entering into contracts.
When entering into contracts, PCBUs should communicate their safety requirements and policies, review the job, and discuss safety issues that may arise and how they will be dealt with. Never assume someone else is taking care of a health and safety matter: find out who is doing what and work with other duty holders in a cooperative and coordinated way so risks are eliminated or minimised as far as reasonably practicable.
- What
- PCBUs cannot transfer their health and safety responsibilities to another person, including when entering into contracts.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Safety duties when entering contracts is a WHS requirement set out in How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is How to manage work health and safety risks > Working with Other Duty Holders.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Safety duties when entering contracts is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs cannot transfer their health and safety responsibilities to another person, including when entering into contracts.
What changed recently?
Safety duties when entering contracts was last updated on 9 October 2026.
