Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408:body:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 39449–42220

have a work health or safety duty in relation to the same matter.

People often assume that someone else is going to take action for health and safety, perhaps because that other person is more directly involved in the activity. This may be more likely where there are numerous people involved in the work. This can mean that nobody takes the necessary action.
Each person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the elimination or minimisation of risks to health and safety. This includes ensuring,
for example, that safe plant is used, that there are adequate welfare facilities for workers and that training is provided to workers.
You must ensure these requirements are met even if others may also have the duty to do so.
You may ensure the outcomes by not necessarily taking the required action yourself, but making sure that another person is doing so.

Talking to, and co-operating and co-ordinating activities with others who are involved in the work
or things associated with the work will make the control of risks more likely and assist each duty holder comply with their duty. It can also mean that health and safety measures are more efficiently undertaken.

For example, you may not need to provide toilet facilities for your workers if they are already available, but you need to check that those facilities are in good working order, clean and accessible for your workers. Consultation, co-operation and co-ordination between you and the person providing those facilities will help you ensure that the necessary steps are being taken
so that you can meet your duty.

What is reasonably practicable in relation to consulting, co-operating and co-ordinating activities with other duty holders will depend on the circumstances, including the nature of the work and
the extent of interaction. For example, two contractors working together may engage in direct discussions and planning as part of their everyday work, whereas the owner of a large shopping centre may need formal mechanisms with the retail businesses, such as written agreements and consultative committees.

5.1 Who must consult, co-operate and co-ordinate and with whom
The first step is to identify who the other duty holders are that you need to consult, co-operate and co-ordinate activities with. The duty requires each person with a health and safety duty to consult, co-operate and co-ordinate activities with each other person who has a duty over the same matter.
Examples of who may need to be involved in consultation, co-operation and co-ordination of activities are as follows:
    * Various contractors who are involved in the same work at the same time at a workplace will need to consult, co-operate and co-ordinate activities with