Product Overview

This Warehouse Inventory Stocktaking and Receiving SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for warehouse inventory and receiving operations, supporting strong WHS compliance. It provides end-to-end coverage of stocktaking, receiving, storage, and inventory management tasks to help you manage High Risk Construction Work interfaces and routine warehouse activities safely and efficiently.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assigning safe and logical storage locations to minimise manual handling risks and congestion in aisles and racking zones
• Conducting inventory stocktaking activities, including counting, checking, and reconciling stock against system records
• Loading and offloading stores from vehicles, pallets, and stillages using forklifts, pallet jacks, and manual handling techniques
• Maintaining accurate inventory of vehicle parts and components, including labelling, segregation, and secure storage controls
• Managing inventory lists, pick sheets, and stock reports to reduce errors and improve traceability of goods
• Overseeing receiving operations, including inspection of incoming goods, verification against purchase orders, and damage reporting
• Performing quarterly stock checks and cycle counts to confirm stock integrity and identify discrepancies or losses
• Maintaining safe stock levels, including monitoring minimum/maximum quantities and implementing controls for overstocking
• Undertaking routine stock taking tasks in racking, shelving, and bulk storage areas, including work at low and medium heights
• Use of barcoding, scanners, and electronic inventory systems to minimise data entry errors and improve stock control
• Housekeeping and traffic management in warehouse aisles, loading docks, and receiving areas to prevent slips, trips, and collisions
• Manual handling of cartons, crates, and parts, including use of trolleys and mechanical aids to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks
• Coordination of work with forklift operators, delivery drivers, and other plant to control interaction between people and mobile equipment

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for warehouse and store personnel, inventory controllers, logistics and supply chain teams, automotive parts stores, distribution centres, and site supervisors responsible for stock control and receiving operations.

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 Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls in warehouse environments
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – controls for lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and repetitive stock handling
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements for work at heights when accessing racking and elevated storage
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – safe use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – standards for safe warehouse layout, lighting, amenities, and traffic flow
• AS 4084 Steel Storage Racking – requirements for safe design, installation, and use of pallet racking systems