The obligation
PCBUs who design structures for use at workplaces must, so far as reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise health and safety risks arising from the structure's design, construction, use, and demolition.
The Safe Design of Structures Code of Practice provides practical guidance to PCBUs (including architects, building designers, and engineers) on meeting duties under the WHS Act. Designers must consider health and safety at every stage of the design lifecycle — from concept through to demolition. They must provide information about residual risks to downstream duty holders (e.g. principal contractors, owners).
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- What
- PCBUs who design structures for use at workplaces must, so far as reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise health and safety risks arising from the structure's design, construction, use, and demolition.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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safe-design
pcbu-duty
designer
structures
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Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise risks through safe design of structures is a WHS requirement set out in Safe design of structures (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) > Safe Design of Structures Code of Practice.
What does this WHS obligation require?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise risks through safe design of structures is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures (NSW). In short, PCBUs who design structures for use at workplaces must, so far as reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise health and safety risks arising from the structure's design, construction, use, and demolition.
What changed recently?
PCBU duty to eliminate or minimise risks through safe design of structures was last updated on 13 August 2026.
