Australia Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination 1.1a: 1.1 PCBUs must consult workers who are, or are likely to be, directly affected

A PCBU must consult, so far as is reasonably practicable, with workers who carry out work for the business and who are or are likely to be directly affected by a health and safety matter (WHS Act s 47). The duty rests on the recognition that worker input improves decisions and reduces injury and disease. Because worker is defined broadly the PCBU must consult employees and anyone else who carries out work for it: contractors and subcontractors and their employees, on-hire workers, outworkers, apprentices, trainees, work experience students, volunteers, remote and part-time staff, and the workers of another firm working in its office. Workers are entitled to take part and to be represented by an elected health and safety representative.