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Scope and Duty Holders: Who the Code Applies To

High severity
FEDERAL · Duties & Obligations Safe design of structures > Scope & Duty Holders
The obligation
Identifies PCBUs who design structures intended or reasonably expected to be used as a workplace, and outlines their primary duty to ensure structures are designed without risks to health and safety.
The Code applies to any PCBU who manages or controls the design of a structure (including buildings, civil infrastructure, and fixed plant) that will be, or could reasonably be expected to be, used as a workplace. Duty holders include architects, engineers, and other designers. The duty applies throughout the design process and requires designers to consider how risks arising during construction, use, maintenance, and demolition can be eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.
What
Identifies PCBUs who design structures intended or reasonably expected to be used as a workplace, and outlines their primary duty to ensure structures are designed without risks to health and safety.
Source
safeworkaustralia.gov.au

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Labels
safe-design PCBU duty-holder structures
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Scope and Duty Holders: Who the Code Applies To is a WHS requirement set out in Safe design of structures (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Safe design of structures > Scope & Duty Holders.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Scope and Duty Holders: Who the Code Applies To is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures (FEDERAL). In short, Identifies PCBUs who design structures intended or reasonably expected to be used as a workplace, and outlines their primary duty to ensure structures are designed without risks to health and safety.

What changed recently?

Scope and Duty Holders: Who the Code Applies To was last updated on 26 August 2026.

About this Topic

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First seenAug 2026