Work Health & Safety Duties for Directors

Work Health & Safety Duties for Directors - Australian Institute of Company Directors

Directors have a direct legal duty to implement and monitor systems which ensure safe working conditions in their workplaces as far as reasonably practical. In nearly all Australian jurisdictions, there is a positive obligation on directors to exercise due diligence in relation to work health and safety.

Directors can be personally liable for breaches of this duty and the penalties can involve imprisonment and very substantial fines. Good governance practice ensures that every board meeting has work, health and safety as a topic on the agenda.