This Loading and Unloading Pallets SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for moving, stacking, loading and unloading pallets by hand, pallet jack and forklift. It covers 12 activities, from the pre-load check to separating the forklift from people, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Warehouses and distribution centres
Transport and freight businesses
Manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors
Retail stores receiving deliveries
Building and landscape supply yards
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of warehousing and freight businesses use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Information on new or changing hazards in other work areas
Pre-load and unload checks to prevent crush injuries around trucks
Moving empty pallets by hand
Stacking empty pallets so stacks stay stable
Identifying and removing damaged pallets
Moving palletised freight by forklift, including shrink wrapping, slipping loads and visibility
Using a pallet jack, with impact, crush and pinch injuries
Loading and unloading without damaging property
Broken pallets, packaging waste, spills and debris
Post-work checks for unsecured pallets and forklift hazards
Emergency response to crush injuries, forklift impacts, fire or spills
Separating the forklift from people, including pedestrians, crush points and loads at height
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 12 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Forklift and pallet jack pre-start checks, scheduled maintenance and tagging out faulty equipment
Forklift licence, site induction and work activity training
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for loading and unloading pallets?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example unloading pallets on a construction site where powered mobile plant such as a forklift is moving. In a warehouse or yard a SWMS isn't mandatory. You still have to manage risks like forklift and pedestrian contact, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover keeping people away from the forklift?
Yes. It has a separate activity for separating the forklift from people in the loading area, covering pedestrians being struck, crushing between the forklift and a truck, rack or wall, and falling loads.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
