The obligation
Clients (PCBUs commissioning design, construction work, or a construction project) have specific WHS Act duties to ensure structures are designed and built without risks to health and safety.
The Code identifies the 'client' as a PCBU who commissions a design, construction work, or a construction project. Clients must: ensure designers are competent; obtain and review the construction safety report; pass it to the principal contractor; and consult with other duty-holders. Failure to fulfil these duties may constitute a contravention of the WHS Act 2011 (QLD).
- What
- Clients (PCBUs commissioning design, construction work, or a construction project) have specific WHS Act duties to ensure structures are designed and built without risks to health and safety.
- Source
- worksafe.qld.gov.au
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Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Client Duties — Safe Design of Structures COP 2021 is a WHS requirement set out in Safe design of structures code of practice 2021 (QLD). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). The relevant provision is Safe Design of Structures COP 2021 > Client Duties.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Client Duties — Safe Design of Structures COP 2021 is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures code of practice 2021 (QLD). In short, Clients (PCBUs commissioning design, construction work, or a construction project) have specific WHS Act duties to ensure structures are designed and built without risks to health and safety.
What changed recently?
Client Duties — Safe Design of Structures COP 2021 was last updated on 26 August 2026.
