This Reversing and Loading Dock Operations SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for reversing trucks onto a dock, securing trailers, and loading and unloading with forklifts and by hand. It covers 21 activities, from traffic management planning and dock layout to releasing the vehicle and emergency response, 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 logistics companies
Manufacturers with their own loading docks
Wholesale and retail businesses receiving freight
Dock supervisors, forklift operators and truck drivers
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of warehouses and transport 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
Traffic management planning, dock layout and pedestrian separation
Daily dock readiness checks, vehicle arrival and driver control
Reversing vehicles onto the dock and keeping people out of the reversing path
Wheel chocks and trailer restraints so trailers can't creep or drive away
Dock levellers, dock plates and the gap between dock and trailer
Opening shipping containers with residual fumigant or low oxygen
Falls from the open dock edge and from trailer tops or loads
Forklifts and pallet jacks on the dock and inside the trailer
Load restraint release, manual handling and the public road interface
Roller doors, weather, spills, damaged loads and dangerous goods
Refuelling, LPG changeover, battery charging and housekeeping
Releasing the vehicle safely and emergency response to a vehicle strike or crush
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 21 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
Plant and equipment list, materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 2359.2 for powered industrial trucks and AS 1657 for fixed platforms
Licence notes for LF and LO, and a nominated dock operator for each dock in use
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 dock operations?
No. Loading dock work at a warehouse isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, such as reversing vehicles and trailers creeping away from the dock, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover opening shipping containers?
Yes. It covers opening and unloading shipping containers, including exposure to residual fumigant or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere when a sealed import container is opened.
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.
