Chain of Responsibility (CoR) in Australia is a legal framework designed to ensure that safety and compliance are shared responsibilities across an entire supply or contractual chain—not just the people performing the physical work.

 

While CoR is most commonly associated with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), the underlying principle is much broader: anyone who influences how work is planned, resourced, or carried out has a duty to prevent harm.

 

Under modern WHS legislation, these CoR principles align closely with the duties placed on PCBUs, officers, and other parties involved in multi‑layered business arrangements. The aim is to stop unsafe decisions from being pushed down the line and to promote a coordinated, proactive approach to managing risks.

 

Since 2018, reforms have strengthened the connection between CoR and WHS law, placing greater emphasis on due diligence, risk management, and organisational accountability.

 

In a “contractual chain,” multiple businesses (PCBUs) may hold overlapping WHS duties at the same time. These duties cannot be delegated or transferred, meaning each party must actively identify hazards, consult with others in the chain, and work together to ensure safe systems of work. In summary:

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• WHS duties cannot be transferred to another party.

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• Multiple parties can share the same duty at the same time.

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• All duty holders must participate in consultation, cooperate, and coordinate to manage risks effectively.

 

Strengthening your organisation’s Chain of Responsibility starts with ensuring everyone understands their WHS duties and how they apply across the supply chain.