The obligation
Where two or more PCBUs share a duty over the same matter, each must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the others so far as is reasonably practicable.
The WHS Act imposes a duty on overlapping duty holders (e.g. host employers and labour-hire firms, or principal contractors and subcontractors) to cooperate with each other and coordinate their WHS activities. The Code explains how PCBUs can discharge this obligation in practice: by identifying all parties who share duties at a workplace, establishing communication channels, and agreeing on roles and responsibilities for each WHS hazard or risk.
…
- What
- Where two or more PCBUs share a duty over the same matter, each must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the others so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
cooperation
PCBU
duty holder
shared duty
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Duty to cooperate with other duty holders 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 > Cooperation.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Duty to cooperate with other duty holders is a WHS obligation under WHS consultation cooperation and coordination (FEDERAL). In short, Where two or more PCBUs share a duty over the same matter, each must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with the others so far as is reasonably practicable.
What changed recently?
Duty to cooperate with other duty holders was last updated on 26 August 2026.
