The obligation
The Code is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the WHS Act, giving PCBUs practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks.
An approved code of practice provides practical guidance on how to achieve the standards of work health and safety required under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations, and effective ways to identify and manage risks. The Code is intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and applies to all types of work and all workplaces covered by the WHS Act. Other approved codes of practice should be referenced for guidance on managing the risk of specific hazards.
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- What
- The Code is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the WHS Act, giving PCBUs practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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code-of-practice
WHS
PCBU
federal
Comcare
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Scope and purpose of the Code 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 > Scope and Purpose § 1.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Scope and purpose of the Code is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). In short, The Code is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the WHS Act, giving PCBUs practical guidance on how to manage health and safety risks.
What changed recently?
Scope and purpose of the Code was last updated on 19 October 2026.