PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)
PCBU: the primary duty holder under Australia's harmonised WHS laws. On site this is typically the builder or each subcontractor running their own business.
Ask Chalkline about this →A PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) is the primary duty holder under the harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws adopted by NSW, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT. The term replaces “employer” in the harmonised framework and is defined broadly: any person or organisation that runs a business or undertaking is a PCBU, whether or not they employ workers directly. On a residential building site, the principal builder is a PCBU; so is each subcontractor running their own business (verified 2026-05-10).
The duty of a PCBU is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work. This includes providing a safe workplace, safe plant and substances, and adequate information, training, and supervision.
Victoria note: Victoria is the only Australian jurisdiction that did not adopt the harmonised WHS laws. Victorian legislation uses “employer” instead of PCBU. See WorkSafe Victoria and the OHS Act 2004 for the Victorian equivalent duties.
Also known as: Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking.
Category: Health and safety.
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Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.