The obligation
Safe design begins at the concept stage, when decisions are made about a structure's purpose, its materials, and how it will be built, maintained, operated, demolished and disposed of.
At this stage, designers also decide which legislation, codes of practice and standards they need to consider and comply with. To control maintenance risks, the code suggests designing so that maintenance can be done at ground level or safely from the structure. It also suggests building in permanent anchorage and hoisting points where maintenance is needed at height.
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- What
- Safe design begins at the concept stage, when decisions are made about a structure's purpose, its materials, and how it will be built, maintained, operated, demolished and disposed of.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Safe design across the structure lifecycle 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 > Design considerations.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Safe design across the structure lifecycle is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures (NSW). In short, Safe design begins at the concept stage, when decisions are made about a structure's purpose, its materials, and how it will be built, maintained, operated, demolished and disposed of.
What changed recently?
Safe design across the structure lifecycle was last updated on 19 October 2026.