Who is the principal contractor under WHS law in NSW?
Last reviewed July 5, 2026
The principal contractor is the person or business that holds the contract for the construction project. They're responsible for ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws in NSW, including managing safety risks on site.
Key points
- Principal contractor manages safety on site.
- They hold the contract for the project.
- Responsible for compliance with WHS laws.
In NSW, the principal contractor must have a clear understanding of WHS legislation and ensure all workers are safe. They need to coordinate with subbies, manage site risks, and keep proper records. It's also their job to ensure everyone on site follows safety protocols to prevent incidents.
How Alloovium helps
Alloovium can help track compliance obligations and deadlines, making it easier for principal contractors to manage safety on site.
See how it worksRelated questions
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in NSW?
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in Queensland?
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in SA?
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in Tasmania?
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in the ACT?
- How long do I keep safety records on a construction site in the NT?
General information for Australian construction professionals — not legal advice. Verify jurisdiction-specific requirements with the relevant regulator.