The obligation
PCBUs must eliminate or, if not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of fatigue at work under the WHS Act. The CoP clarifies this duty and its practical application.
Under the harmonised WHS Act, PCBUs must ensure health and safety by eliminating or minimising fatigue risks so far as is reasonably practicable. The CoP confirms that fatigue is treated as any other workplace hazard. Officers of corporations, the Crown, and public authorities have corresponding due-diligence obligations. The word 'must' in the CoP denotes a legal requirement. This duty applies across all industries and workplace types covered by model WHS laws.
- What
- PCBUs must eliminate or, if not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of fatigue at work under the WHS Act. The CoP clarifies this duty and its practical application.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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PCBU
duty of care
fatigue
reasonably practicable
WHS Act
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise fatigue risk so far as reasonably practicable is a WHS requirement set out in Managing the risk of fatigue at work (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Managing the risk of fatigue at work > PCBU Duty.
What does this WHS obligation require?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise fatigue risk so far as reasonably practicable is a WHS obligation under Managing the risk of fatigue at work (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs must eliminate or, if not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of fatigue at work under the WHS Act. The CoP clarifies this duty and its practical application.
What changed recently?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise fatigue risk so far as reasonably practicable was last updated on 26 August 2026.
