Safe Work Australia releases new labour hire case study

Safe Work Australia has published a new labour hire case study addressing how duty holders manage workplace risks when engaging contracted staff.

The case study demonstrates the four model WHS Act principles relating to WHS duties, along with the obligation to consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other duty holders across a shared undertaking.

Below, we break down what the case study covers and why it matters for organisations relying on external staffing arrangements.

What the Case Study Covers

The federal safety agency urges workplaces to download the case study to learn how Good Catering and Event Labour manage WHS risks while working at a festival.

Good management of hazardous conditions at large events requires clear communication between host businesses and labour hire providers. The example shows practical management strategies applied during festival operations, where multiple parties share responsibility for health and safety outcomes.

Key Themes in the Labour Hire - Case Study

• Consultation, cooperation, and coordination between duty holders
• Shared management of hazardous work environments at events
• Clear allocation of WHS duties across labour hire arrangements
• Practical risk management resources for event-based work

Case studies like this one give safety professionals a real-world reference point for translating model WHS obligations into everyday management practices. Rather than relying solely on theory, businesses can see how consultation processes play out in a live event setting.

Why This Matters for Risk Management

Labour hire relationships often involve overlapping duties, which can create confusion around who holds responsibility for particular risks. Safe Work Australia's guidance material helps clarify management expectations for both host employers and labour hire agencies.

Effective management of these relationships depends on:

• Early identification of hazardous tasks or environments
• Documented consultation between all duty holders
• Ongoing review of management arrangements as conditions change
• Clear communication channels for reporting emerging risks

Health outcomes for casual and contracted staff often hinge on how well host businesses and providers coordinate their management responsibilities from the outset, rather than after an incident occurs.

Accessing the Case Study

The Labour Hire - Case Study is accessible here via Safe Work Australia's official resources page.

Organisations seeking further guidance on documenting site-specific risk controls may also benefit from reviewing our Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) resources, which support consistent management of hazardous tasks across various industries.

Related Safe Work Australia Updates

This release follows other recent publications from the agency, including case studies and reports addressing WHS laws and risk trends across Australian workplaces.

• Safe Work Australia releases new yearly report
• Safe Work Australia releases new WHS data
• Safe Work Australia releases case study on controlling psychosocial risks in the retail sector

Businesses managing labour hire arrangements at events or other hazardous sites should review these case studies regularly, as they offer practical insight into how model WHS principles apply beyond standard workplace settings.