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Duty to consult workers on WHS matters

Code version as at 1 Feb 2022 From WHS consultation cooperation and coordination, no changes tracked yet
High severity
FEDERAL · Consultation WHS Consultation Cooperation and Coordination > Consultation
The obligation
PCBUs must consult workers (and their representatives) who are likely to be directly affected by a WHS decision, change, or risk before the decision is made.
Under the WHS Act and reinforced by the Code, a PCBU must consult with workers who carry out work for the business and are likely to be affected by a health and safety matter. Consultation requires sharing relevant information, giving workers a reasonable opportunity to express views, and taking those views into account before making decisions.
What
PCBUs must consult workers (and their representatives) who are likely to be directly affected by a WHS decision, change, or risk before the decision is made.
Source
safeworkaustralia.gov.au

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Labels
consultation PCBU HSR workers
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Duty to consult workers on WHS matters is a WHS requirement set out in WHS consultation cooperation and coordination (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is WHS Consultation Cooperation and Coordination > Consultation.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Duty to consult workers on WHS matters is a WHS obligation under WHS consultation cooperation and coordination (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs must consult workers (and their representatives) who are likely to be directly affected by a WHS decision, change, or risk before the decision is made.

What changed recently?

Duty to consult workers on WHS matters was last updated on 26 August 2026.

About this Topic

Updates trackedMonitoring
Monitoring detail
First seenAug 2026