The obligation
A duty to ensure health and safety so far as reasonably practicable means eliminating risks where reasonably practicable, otherwise reducing them.
Section 20 provides that a duty to ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable requires eliminating risks so far as is reasonably practicable and, if that is not reasonably practicable, reducing them so far as is reasonably practicable. What is reasonably practicable has regard to the likelihood of the hazard or risk, the degree of harm, what the person knows or ought reasonably to know, the availability and suitability of controls, and the cost.
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- What
- A duty to ensure health and safety so far as reasonably practicable means eliminating risks where reasonably practicable, otherwise reducing them.
- Source
- content.legislation.vic.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Meaning of ensuring health and safety so far as reasonably practicable is a WHS requirement set out in Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC). The relevant provision is Part 1 s 4; Part 3 > Division 1 > s 20 § 20.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Meaning of ensuring health and safety so far as reasonably practicable is a WHS obligation under Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC). In short, A duty to ensure health and safety so far as reasonably practicable means eliminating risks where reasonably practicable, otherwise reducing them.
What changed recently?
Meaning of ensuring health and safety so far as reasonably practicable was last updated on 19 October 2026.