When must I set up a health and safety committee?

Under s75 of the model Work Health and Safety Act, a PCBU must establish a health and safety committee within 2 months of a request by a health and safety representative (HSR) or by 5 or more workers at the workplace, or when the regulations require one. If no request has been made and the regulations do not require it, there is no duty to set one up — but a PCBU may establish one voluntarily.

Who can request a health and safety committee?

A health and safety committee can be requested by a health and safety representative (HSR) for the workplace, or by 5 or more workers (s75 model WHS Act). The regulations can also require a committee for certain work or workplaces. Any one of these triggers the duty to establish a committee.

Who has to be on a health and safety committee?

Under s76 of the model WHS Act, at least half the members of the committee must be workers who are not nominated by the PCBU. A health and safety representative (HSR) for the workplace who consents to be a member is automatically a member of the committee. The rest of the membership is agreed between the PCBU and the workers.

How often must a health and safety committee meet?

At least once every 3 months. Section 78 of the model WHS Act requires a health and safety committee to meet at least once every 3 months, and also at any reasonable time at the request of at least half of its members.

Are the rules different in Victoria?

Yes. Victoria is not part of the harmonised WHS scheme. It runs health and safety committees through designated work groups under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), using the terms 'employer' and 'employee' rather than 'PCBU' and 'worker'. The model WHS Act figures (2 months, half the members, every 3 months) apply in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth, and Western Australia mirrors them under the WHS Act 2020 (WA). Check the Act that applies to your workplace.

Do I Need a Health and Safety Committee?

Q: How soon must a committee be established after a request?

Within 2 months. Section 75 of the model WHS Act requires a PCBU to establish a health and safety committee within 2 months of a request by an HSR or 5 or more workers, or when required by the regulations.

Check when a workplace must set up a health and safety committee, who can request one, and what it does under the WHS Act.

Last verified: 21 June 2026Jump to calculator ↓

A PCBU must establish a health and safety committee within 2 months of a request by a health and safety representative (HSR) or 5 or more workers, or where the regulations require one (s75 model WHS Act). At least half the members must be workers not nominated by the PCBU, and any consenting HSR is a member (s76). The committee must meet at least once every 3 months (s78). Answer two questions to see your exact position.

FairWork Mate AI

Is the figure right for you?

The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.

Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.

Just need today sorted? A Day Pass is 25 questions over 24 hours, no account. Get a Day Pass — $4.99

Get pay and rights updates for your job

Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Do I Need a Health and Safety Committee?

Do you need a health and safety committee?

Is the figure right for you?

Related Tools