What does PCBU mean?

PCBU stands for Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking. It’s a legal term used in work health and safety (WHS) laws, in Australia, to identify those responsible for ensuring the health and safety of workers and others in the workplace.

The concept was introduced as part of the Model Work Health and Safety Act to create a broader and more inclusive definition of duty holders, moving away from the more traditional employer-employee relationship.

1. Who Can Be a PCBU?

A PCBU is mostly the business who is contracted to do the high risk construction work. They are generally a contracted by a client or principal contractor of a larger project.

Business — including a company, partnership, or sole trader.
Franchisees or Franchise Owners — operating a business under a larger brand.
Government Departments and Authorities — when they employ workers or manage projects.
Principal Contractors — when they are undertaking the HRCW on a construction site they’re managing.

An individual is not usually considered a PCBU if they are simply an employee or a volunteer acting for a business.

2. PCBU Responsibilities

Under the WHS laws, PCBUs have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of:

Their workers (including employees, contractors, apprentices, and trainees).
Visitors and customers on their premises.
Any other people who may be affected by their business activities.

To comply with this duty, they must:

Identify and manage risks to health and safety.
Provide safe work environments, equipment, and systems.
Ensure proper training, supervision, and information for workers.
Engage with workers about health and safety matters.

3. PCBU vs. Officers and Workers

It’s important to understand how PCBU fits into the broader WHS structure:

PCBU — has the overarching responsibility for safety.
Officers (like company directors or senior managers) — must exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies with its obligations.
Workers — must take reasonable care for their own safety and follow the PCBU’s policies and procedures.

4. Why Understanding PCBU Matters

If you’re a business owner, contractor, or senior manager, knowing whether you’re a PCBU — and what that means — is vital. Failing to meet WHS obligations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

For workers, understanding the concept helps you know who is ultimately responsible for providing a safe working environment and who to approach if there are safety concerns.

5. How This Relates to SafetyCheck.co

At SafetyCheck.co (sign up here for free), we simplify compliance by offering digital tools for managing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). If you’re a PCBU then you can use our simple system to ensure the right people are consulted and the right people review your SWMS. Our mobile-friendly platform makes it easy for you and your team to stay compliant and safe.