This Shelf Stocking and In-Store Ladder Use SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers receiving deliveries, filling shelves and using ladders to reach high stock in retail and wholesale stores. It covers 27 activities, from the pre-start briefing to pack down 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
Supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores
Hardware, homewares and department stores
Wholesale, trade supply and bulk goods outlets
Night fill crews and merchandising contractors
Liquor, pet supply and other specialty retail stores
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of retailers use one as the written risk assessment for a task like this, 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
Pre-start briefing, PPE and fitness for ladder and lifting work
Planning access to high stock so ladders are used only when needed
Loading dock and delivery vehicles, including reversing trucks and open dock edges
Unloading, put-away and safe storage of chemical, aerosol and LPG stock
Ladder selection, inspection, set-up and safe climbing, including over-reaching and electrical contact
Opening cartons safely, including knife cuts and recoiling strapping
Manual handling of stock at floor level and above shoulder height
Shelving and racking load limits, and stock falling from height
Trolleys, roll cages, pallet jacks and forklifts in back-of-house areas
Customers near the work, aggression, robbery and night fill alone
Cool room and freezer stocking, breakages, spills and needlestick injuries
Cardboard baler operation, housekeeping and emergency response to falls, crush or entrapment
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 27 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
Equipment list and maintenance checks for ladders, racking, trolleys and the cardboard baler
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 1892.5 for ladder selection and use and AS 4084.2 for racking
Training in ladder use, manual handling, safe knife handling and customer de-escalation
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 shelf stocking and ladder use?
No. Shelf stocking in a store isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including falls from ladders and manual handling injuries, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover forklift operation?
No. Forklift and order picking forklift operation needs a separate SWMS and the relevant high risk work licence. This SWMS does cover workers on foot around forklifts, order pickers and powered pallet jacks.
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.
