The obligation
A PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
Section 19 imposes the primary duty of care on every person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). The duty extends to workers, including employees, contractors, subcontractors, apprentices, volunteers and labour-hire workers, and to other persons affected by the conduct of the business. The qualifier 'so far as is reasonably practicable' is defined in s 18 by reference to likelihood, degree of harm, available knowledge, and cost.
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- What
- A PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
- Source
- legislation.gov.au
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duty-of-care
PCBU
reasonably-practicable
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) is a WHS requirement set out in Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) > Part 2 — Health and safety duties > Division 2 § 19.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). In short, A PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
What changed recently?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) was last updated on 26 August 2026.
