The obligation
PCBUs that design structures for use as a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the structure is designed to be without risks to health and safety.
The duty protects people using the structure for its designed purpose, constructing it, carrying out reasonably foreseeable activities such as its demolition or disposal, and people in the vicinity exposed to it. This designer duty sits under WHS Act section 22, alongside the section 19 primary duty of care of all PCBUs. In deciding what is reasonably practicable, the prevailing design standards and the hazards and risks known when the structure was designed are considered.
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- What
- PCBUs that design structures for use as a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the structure is designed to be without risks to health and safety.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Designer duties and what is reasonably practicable is a WHS requirement set out in Safe design of structures (TAS). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS). The relevant provision is Work Health & Safety > Safe Design > Structures.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Designer duties and what is reasonably practicable is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures (TAS). In short, PCBUs that design structures for use as a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the structure is designed to be without risks to health and safety.
What changed recently?
Designer duties and what is reasonably practicable was last updated on 19 October 2026.