Principal contractor
A principal contractor is the PCBU with management or control of a construction workplace once project cost exceeds the jurisdictional threshold, usually $250,000.
Ask Chalkline about this →A principal contractor is the PCBU appointed to manage and control a construction project once the project value exceeds the threshold set by the applicable WHS Regulation. In most harmonised jurisdictions, the threshold is $250,000 in construction work value (Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) reg 293, verified 2026-05-10). Victoria uses the term “principal contractor” under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic) with a comparable threshold.
Once the threshold is crossed, the principal contractor takes on duties that sit on top of the baseline PCBU obligations: preparing a written WHS management plan before work starts, collecting every subcontractor’s SWMS before high-risk construction work begins, conducting a site-specific induction for every person before they access the site, and displaying required site signage.
On a typical residential build above $250,000, the builder (head contractor) is the principal contractor. Engaging a subcontractor does not transfer principal contractor status: both parties remain PCBUs, each owing their own consultation and safety duties.
Also known as: PC (principal contractor), head contractor (informal).
Category: Health and safety.
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Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.