This 11-page Retail Operations Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides the typical safety controls and potential hazards associated with retail operations, including handling stock, managing equipment, interacting with customers, and ensuring safe workplace practices.
 
Created by WHS experts, this SWMS is pre-filled, ready to use, and designed to help your business meet its WHS obligations while maintaining compliance across all Australian states and territories. It’s provided in a fully editable Microsoft Word format, making it easy to customise with your company name, logo, and site-specific details.
 
Perfect for retailers, shopping centres, and logistics providers, this template helps you to streamline safety documentation and demonstrate compliance during tenders, audits, and inspections.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
This SWMS is ideal for a wide range of retail-related businesses and industries, including:
Retailers and shopping centre operators
Supermarkets and grocery stores
Clothing and fashion outlets
Electronics and appliance retailers
Hardware and home improvement stores
Department stores and discount retailers
Logistics, stock handling, and warehousing teams
 
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS details safe work practices, potential hazards, and control measures for retail operations, including:
Planning and preparation
Site inductions, task planning, and risk assessments
Ensuring all workers are trained in relevant procedures
Using computers, POS terminals, and cash-handling equipment
Ergonomic workstation setup to prevent strain
Providing adjustable chairs and anti-fatigue mats
Encouraging micro-breaks and stretches
Working with electronic equipment
Testing and tagging all portable appliances
Using RCD protection and avoiding overloaded power boards
Isolating faulty equipment and tagging it “out of service”
Customer and supplier interactions
De-escalation and conflict resolution training
Implementing customer service and respectful behaviour policies
Engaging security staff when necessary
Working inside a retail environment
Slips, trips, and falls prevention
Fire and evacuation procedures
Managing after-hours work and lone-worker safety
Manual handling and stock movement
Correct lifting techniques and team lifting procedures
Providing manual handling aids (trolleys, stock carts, etc.)
Encouraging task rotation to reduce fatigue
Handling and disposing of materials
Safe storage of cleaning chemicals and packaging
Spill management and environmental protection controls
Correct waste segregation for recycling and hazardous materials
Emergency response procedures
First aid and AED locations
Muster points and evacuation procedures
Incident reporting and regulator notification requirements
 
What’s Included in Your Template
Comprehensive risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
Step-by-step safe work procedures
Detailed hazard identification and control measures
PPE requirements and usage guidelines
Plant and equipment checklist
Relevant WHS legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
Worker sign-off page to confirm SWMS understanding and compliance
 
 
This Retail Operations SWMS template is an essential tool for documenting your workplace safety systems quickly and effectively. Designed for fast editing and easy customisation, it adapts seamlessly to your operational needs - making it an invaluable resource for tenders, safety audits, and everyday retail operations.
 
Get your Retail Operations SWMS today and start using it instantly!