Retail Stocking Merchandising and Shelf Management SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers store planning, stock receiving, movement, shelf replenishment, merchandising, vending-machine activities, waste management and final checks. It supports planning and risk management by addressing customer, vehicle, access, manual-handling, falling-stock, equipment, spill and obstruction hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work around the store layout and customer access
• Prepare equipment and access arrangements
• Receive and unload stock
• Move stock to the work area
• Replenish low-level and high shelves
• Merchandise products and set promotional displays
• Use reorder technology
• Install and restock vending machines
• Manage spills, packaging and waste
• Complete final checks and sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out retail stocking, merchandising and shelf management activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks (2021), as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance on consultation, risk management, hierarchy of controls, maintenance and review of controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance on reducing force, awkward posture, repetition and duration through workplace and task design.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (2020), as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance relevant to stocking shelves and use of safe access equipment.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance relevant to trolleys, pallet jacks, vending equipment and plant installation.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; electrical work must only be completed by appropriately licensed or otherwise authorised persons under the relevant law.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance relevant to thermal conditions, amenities and worker fatigue.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction; guidance relevant to workload, customer interactions, support and reporting.
• AS 1892 series, Portable ladders.
• AS 4084, Steel storage racking.
• AS/NZS 2210.3, Personal protective equipment—Safety footwear.
• AS/NZS 4602.1, High visibility safety garments.
• AS/NZS 3760, In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• Manufacturer instructions, load ratings and installation requirements for shelving, displays, trolleys, roll cages and vending machines.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections