The obligation
Reasonably practicable means what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing up all relevant matters.
Section 18 requires weighing the likelihood of the hazard or risk occurring and the degree of harm that might result. It also takes into account what the person knows, or ought reasonably to know, about the hazard or risk and ways of eliminating or minimising it, and the availability and suitability of those ways. Cost is considered after assessing the extent of the risk and the available controls, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk.
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- What
- Reasonably practicable means what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing up all relevant matters.
- Source
- legislation.qld.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety is a WHS requirement set out in Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) > Part 2 — Health and safety duties > s 18 § 18.
What does this WHS obligation require?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). In short, Reasonably practicable means what is, or was at a particular time, reasonably able to be done to ensure health and safety, weighing up all relevant matters.
What changed recently?
What is reasonably practicable in ensuring health and safety was last updated on 8 October 2026.
