WHS Duties and Environmental Practices
Australian WHS law is built on a general duty of care. Under the model WHS Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable, while workers must take reasonable care for themselves and others, follow instructions, and report hazards. Officers have a due diligence duty. The phrase "so far as is reasonably practicable" weighs the likelihood and severity of harm against the cost and difficulty of control, and is a frequent exam trap because it is not a simple cost excuse.
Electricians must understand consultation and reporting: hazard reports, incident notifications for serious injuries or dangerous incidents, and the role of health and safety representatives. Know that electric shock requiring medical treatment and unlicensed electrical work are notifiable categories in most jurisdictions, though exact lists vary.
Environmental practice covers waste segregation, correct disposal of fluorescent tubes and lamps containing mercury, lead-acid and lithium batteries, refrigerant gases, and contaminated cable insulation. Spill kits, bunding and safe decanting protect stormwater. Sustainable site habits include avoiding unnecessary cable offcuts, recycling copper and drums, and choosing compliant products.
Worked rule of thumb: for any waste, ask is it hazardous, can it be recycled, and who is the licensed receiver? Mercury lamps, batteries and e-waste never go to general waste.
Traps include confusing the PCBU with the worker's duty, quoting cost alone to avoid a control, and thinking environmental obligations stop at the site boundary.