The obligation
Businesses that design, make, install or supply a substance, plant, equipment or structure must, so far as reasonably practicable, minimise pollution and waste risks from its intended use.
They must also give information on its purpose and any conditions needed for it to be used in a way that complies with the general environmental duty. Failing to do either in the course of the business contravenes the general environmental duty.
- What
- Businesses that design, make, install or supply a substance, plant, equipment or structure must, so far as reasonably practicable, minimise pollution and waste risks from its intended use.
- Source
- content.legislation.vic.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
General environmental duty for designers, manufacturers, installers and suppliers is a WHS requirement set out in Environment Protection Act 2017 (VIC). The relevant provision is Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) > Part 3.2 — General environmental duty.
What does this WHS obligation require?
General environmental duty for designers, manufacturers, installers and suppliers is a WHS obligation under Environment Protection Act 2017 (VIC). In short, Businesses that design, make, install or supply a substance, plant, equipment or structure must, so far as reasonably practicable, minimise pollution and waste risks from its intended use.
What changed recently?
General environmental duty for designers, manufacturers, installers and suppliers was last updated on 11 October 2026.
