Overlapping Duties
Updated: Dec 20, 2021

Working with Other Businesses
Whenever there are multiple businesses working together on one site, it can be a
bit confusing about who is responsible for what.
Each businesses must do what they can (within reason) to keep everyone on the
site safe. This relates to their own team, other workers or anyone that steps onto
the site. The best way to do this is to communicate with one another.
The 3C’s
At any workplace it is everyone’s responsibility to keep safe and manage health
and safety. Businesses must work together to keep all workers at the workplace
safe.
In some cases there may be overlapping health and safety activities and obligations,
when multiple companies are working together. In this case, it is critical everyone follows
the 3C’s - Consult, Co-operate and Co-ordinate.
By following the 3C’s businesses are ensuring that everyone is aware of any
overlapping duties, so roles can be clearly defined and work is not impacted.
Communication
Working with Other Businesses
Communication is key within a busy worksite. With contractors and subcontractors coming and going, there are a lot of moving parts. When maintaining a safe working environment, communication must be prioritised.
As a PCBU, if a new team comes onto the site or into the workplace, you are responsible to complete a full induction with them. Ask them about their work and how it will effect other teams also working on the site. They may have work that has hazards and risks that affect each other, seek them out straight away and follow the 3C’s.
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