The obligation
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
Section 19 of the WHS Act 2012 (Tas) imposes a primary duty of care on PCBUs to ensure the health, safety and welfare of workers engaged by or whose work is influenced by the PCBU, and to ensure others are not put at risk. The duty extends to the work environment, plant and structures, substances, systems of work, and welfare facilities. 'So far as is reasonably practicable' is the qualifying standard, assessed against likelihood of hazard, degree of harm, available controls, and cost.
- What
- Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
- Source
- legislation.tas.gov.au
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PCBU
primary duty
reasonably practicable
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) is a WHS requirement set out in Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) > Part 2 — Health and safety duties > s 19 § 19.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS). In short, Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
What changed recently?
Primary duty of care — PCBUs (s 19) was last updated on 27 August 2026.
