Retail Stocking Merchandising and Shelf Management SWMS

Product Overview

This Retail Stocking Merchandising and Shelf Management SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for retail stocking, merchandising, and display activities to support WHS compliance in Australian workplaces. It provides end-to-end coverage of all key tasks involved in retail stock handling, display unit setup, and shelf management to help you manage retail safety risks effectively.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, positioning, and securing of display units to prevent collapse or instability
• Operation and use of electronic and app-based reorder technology for stock management
• Product merchandising techniques that minimise trip hazards and maintain safe customer access
• Replenishing stock on shelves and gondolas while controlling manual handling and traffic risks
• Restocking products on high shelves using step ladders, platform ladders, and appropriate access equipment
• Setting up promotional displays, end caps, and floor stands without obstructing aisles or emergency exits
• Installation, loading, and restocking of vending machines, including electrical isolation and crush prevention
• Safe unpacking of cartons, use of box cutters, and disposal of packaging to prevent cuts and slips
• Use of trolleys, pallet jacks, and stock carts in shared customer and staff areas
• Traffic management and segregation of stocking activities from customers during trading hours
• Housekeeping controls to keep aisles, back-of-house areas, and storerooms clear and accessible
• Emergency procedures, incident reporting, and response to spills or falling merchandise

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for supermarket and grocery staff, retail store teams, merchandisers, vending operators, labour hire personnel, and site supervisors responsible for retail stocking and display activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing, and controlling manual handling risks in stocking and merchandising tasks
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for risk management applied to all retail stocking and display activities
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe aisles, access, lighting, and amenities in retail environments
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provisions for first aid arrangements relevant to cuts, sprains, and other retail-related injuries
• AS 1657 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders: Referenced for safe access to high shelving where applicable

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Operational guidelines, with a step-by-step approach to safe work
• Possible hazards that may be encountered
• Step-by-step safety procedures to follow
• Before work starts – Guidelines and Checks
• Safety measures and guides
• Operational Safety Checks
• Before and After Risk Ratings
• Risk Assessment Matrix
• High Risk Work Involved
• Emergency Evacuation Procedure
• Plant and Equipment
• Qualifications and Permits
• Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Company Personnel Sign-off form