This 10-page Loading and Unloading Pallets Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides the typical safety controls and potential hazards associated with pallet handling activities, including forklift and pallet jack use, manual handling, and truck loading operations.
 
Pre-filled, ready to use, and developed by experienced WHS professionals, this SWMS helps your business meet its WHS obligations and maintain compliance with Australian regulations. It’s suitable for all states and territories and is fully editable in Microsoft Word, making it easy to customise with your company’s name, logo, and specific site details.
 
Whether you’re working in a warehouse, transport depot, or manufacturing facility, this document offers a structured and practical approach to safer pallet handling operations.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
Transport and logistics providers
Warehousing and distribution centres
Manufacturing businesses
Retailers with back-of-house pallet handling
Construction suppliers and delivery contractors
Any business involved in moving, stacking, loading, or unloading pallets with forklifts or pallet jacks
 
What This SWMS Covers
Identifying site-specific hazards and ensuring all staff are briefed before work begins
Pre-start inspections for forklifts and pallet jacks to ensure equipment is safe for use
Managing manual handling risks when moving or lifting empty pallets
Safe stacking of empty pallets using nestable designs and shrink-wrap for stability
Procedures for removing damaged pallets from service
Forklift safety: proper lifting techniques, visibility considerations, and load restraint
Pallet jack safety: pinch point awareness, lifting protocols, and traffic route checks
Shrink-wrapping and restraining palletised goods before movement
Emergency procedures for injuries, equipment failure, or changing site conditions
Sign-off section confirming training, understanding of the SWMS, and current high-risk work licences
 
What’s Included in Your Template
HRCW Selection Table (includes “work in area with movement of powered mobile plant”)
Detailed risk assessment methodology with matrix and rating system
Step-by-step procedures with hazards, controls, and responsibility assignments
PPE requirements (e.g. steel cap boots, high-vis clothing, eye protection)
Plant and equipment list (forklift, pallet jack)
Worker sign-off page with licence and expiry tracking
Customisable fields for company details, project name, site, and client
References to relevant training, inductions, and qualifications
 
This SWMS template for Loading and Unloading Pallets is an invaluable tool for quickly and effectively documenting your WHS systems. Designed for swift editing and customisation, it adapts easily to your operational needs - making it an essential part of your safety management toolkit.
 
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