A principal contractor on a major construction site owes a general law duty of care to subcontractors and others coming onto the site to ensure that induction training is provided before they commence work. This duty cannot be delegated to subcontractors. However, a principal contractor does not owe a non-delegable duty to persons on site — to hold otherwise would import an obligation of control inconsistent with the independent contractor relationship. A subcontractor who fails to organise its own subcontractors properly and abandons its responsibility to ensure competent and trained operators are engaged will be liable for resulting injuries.
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