Australia Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination 3.5: 3.5 Decide how far to consult using the reasonably practicable factors

Consultation must be carried out so far as is reasonably practicable with workers directly affected, including employees, contractors and their workers, labour hire employees, outworkers, trainees and apprentices, students and volunteers, about decisions the PCBU influences or controls. What is reasonably practicable depends on the size and structure of the business, the nature of the work, the nature and severity of the hazard, the nature and urgency of the decision, availability of workers and representatives, work arrangements such as shift and remote work, and the languages and literacy of workers. Not every worker must be consulted, only those directly affected, for example workers on one affected floor. Urgent action on an immediate risk may limit consultation, and workers on extended leave should be informed on return, but the PCBU must take a proactive and sensible approach.