Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety, hazard identification and control measures for Point of Sale (POS) and General Retail Operations in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive document that brings together multiple retail activities and tasks into one easy-to-use SWMS to support strong WHS compliance and consistent risk management across your business.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of barcode scanners, including ergonomic positioning and prevention of repetitive strain injuries
• Management of credit and debit card transactions, including PIN entry, fraud awareness and data security considerations
• Demonstration of electronic equipment to customers, including electrical safety, trip hazards and customer interaction risks
• Execution of general point-of-sale (POS) operations, cash handling, balancing tills and responding to system faults or outages
• Processing and management of gift card sales, activation, verification and dispute handling
• Handling and sale of alcohol, including legal obligations, responsible service practices and managing intoxicated or aggressive customers
• Receiving and processing returns of potentially contaminated or soiled items, including hygiene controls, PPE and isolation of suspect goods
• Operating checkout lanes safely, including queue management, slip and trip prevention and emergency stop or shutdown procedures
• Setting up and using retail checkout workstations with correct ergonomics to minimise musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue
• Conducting roadside or pop-up trading, including traffic exposure, vehicle interaction risks and temporary power or display setups
• Selling dangerous or controlled goods (such as aerosols, chemicals or batteries), including storage, segregation and customer information requirements
• Verifying age for restricted sales, including ID checking procedures, refusal of service and escalation to supervisors
• Managing customer aggression, theft, security incidents and emergency response at the POS area
• Housekeeping, stock handling and manual tasks in and around the checkout area to reduce slips, trips and manual handling injuries

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor retailers, electronics and general retail outlets, roadside traders, franchise operators, and site supervisors overseeing POS and checkout operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks in retail environments
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe, accessible and well-maintained retail and checkout areas
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Chemicals – Controls for storage, handling and sale of dangerous or controlled goods in retail settings
• Model Code of Practice: Manual Tasks – Guidance on minimising musculoskeletal risks from repetitive POS work and stock handling
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems – Framework for integrating this SWMS into an effective OHS management system
• AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk management – Guidelines – Principles for systematic risk management across POS and general retail operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017