The obligation
Section 18 defines reasonably practicable as what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing all relevant matters.
Relevant matters include the likelihood of the hazard or risk occurring and the degree of harm that might result. They also include what the person knows, or ought reasonably to know, about the hazard or risk and ways of eliminating or minimising it. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks, they must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.
…
- What
- Section 18 defines reasonably practicable as what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing all relevant matters.
- Source
- legislation.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
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety (s 18) 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 > Division 1 > Subdivision 2.
What does this WHS obligation require?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety (s 18) is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). In short, Section 18 defines reasonably practicable as what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing all relevant matters.
What changed recently?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety (s 18) was last updated on 19 October 2026.