COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Safe Work Practices in Supply Chain Operations course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge, practical strategies, and regulatory understanding necessary to uphold workplace health and safety across warehousing, transport, and logistics environments. As supply chain operations involve fast-paced, physically demanding, and high-risk tasks, a strong safety culture is essential to prevent incidents, protect workers, and ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation.
This course begins by examining the importance of safety in supply chain roles. Participants will explore the legal, ethical, and practical responsibilities held by employers, workers, and contractors under the WHS Act and Regulation 2011. An overview of typical risks in warehouse, dispatch, and delivery contexts is provided, establishing a foundation for proactive hazard identification and risk control.
Understanding workplace health and safety obligations is central to safe supply chain operations. This section details duty of care principles, the role of safety representatives and committees, and the responsibilities of supervisors in maintaining a safe work environment. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how WHS laws apply to their everyday tasks.
Hazard identification and risk assessment are crucial steps in managing site safety. Participants will learn how to recognise common and task-specific hazards such as vehicle movement, poor lighting, manual handling, and fatigue. Practical skills in reporting unsafe conditions, conducting risk assessments, and reviewing safety audits are introduced using industry-accepted tools like risk matrices and control hierarchies.
Manual handling safety is a key concern in logistics work. This section focuses on ergonomics, correct lifting techniques, and the use of trolleys or mechanical aids to prevent injury. Participants will review typical high-risk tasks and apply safe movement principles that reduce musculoskeletal strain.
Materials handling equipment must be operated safely and responsibly. Participants will explore safe use protocols for forklifts, pallet jacks, stock pickers, and conveyor systems, with emphasis on operator checks, exclusion zones, and pre-use inspections. Traffic management and vehicle safety are also examined, including the use of signage, reversing procedures, and separation of pedestrian and vehicle pathways.
Maintaining safe warehouse layouts and effective housekeeping supports injury prevention. This section covers strategies for organising racking, ensuring aisle access, cleaning spills promptly, and controlling fall and trip hazards. Proper storage and stacking techniques are also explored to prevent pallet collapse, overloading, or dangerous shifting of goods.
Chemical safety and the handling of dangerous goods are essential topics in many logistics roles. Participants will learn how to identify hazardous substances, use Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and store chemicals in line with regulations. Emergency response protocols for leaks, fires, or spills are also addressed.
PPE usage is a cornerstone of personal safety. This section outlines the types of PPE commonly required in supply chain roles, correct methods for wearing and inspecting equipment, and the procedures for replacing damaged or ineffective items.
Fire safety and emergency preparedness form a vital part of worksite safety. Participants will learn how to recognise fire hazards, operate extinguishers, and follow site-specific evacuation plans. Emphasis is placed on knowing assembly points, emergency contacts, and alarm systems.
Fatigue and stress management is critical in high-demand logistics environments. This section helps workers identify signs of exhaustion, manage rest breaks, rotate tasks effectively, and access support for mental wellbeing. Communication practices are also explored, including radio protocols, hand signals, and safety signage to ensure tasks are carried out clearly and safely.
Working at heights and using elevated equipment such as ladders, scissor lifts, or mezzanines requires specialised planning. Participants will review fall prevention systems, safe access procedures, and hazard controls for overhead work. The safe integration of technology and automation into the workplace is also discussed, particularly around robotics, conveyor systems, and automated sorters.
Effective safety depends on training and competency. This section highlights the importance of induction processes, equipment-specific training, and regular refresher sessions to maintain high standards of safety awareness and capability. Inductions for contractors and casuals are included to ensure consistent compliance across the workforce.
Finally, a strong safety culture must be nurtured. Participants will learn how to support proactive safety behaviours, contribute to team safety discussions, and recognise their own role in upholding WHS performance. Consultation, reward systems, and leadership examples are explored as methods to promote long-term safety engagement across the supply chain.
By the end of this course, you will have the skills, legal understanding, and practical confidence to implement and maintain safe work practices that reduce risk, protect health, and support efficient, compliant supply chain operations.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Safety in Supply Chain Operations
- Importance of safety in warehousing, transport, and logistics roles
- Legal and ethical responsibilities under WHS laws
- Overview of risks across the supply chain
2. Understanding Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Obligations
- Duty of care for employers, workers, and contractors
- WHS Act and Regulation 2011: key principles
- Role of safety committees, supervisors, and health and safety reps
3. Identifying Hazards in Supply Chain Environments
- Common hazards: traffic, equipment, racking, manual handling, fatigue
- Recognising site-specific and task-specific hazards
- Reporting unsafe conditions and near misses
4. Conducting Risk Assessments and Safety Audits
- Steps in identifying, assessing, and controlling risks
- Using a risk matrix to determine severity and likelihood
- Reviewing risk controls as work processes change
5. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Safety
- Identifying tasks that involve lifting, bending, or repetitive movements
- Safe lifting techniques and using correct posture
- Implementing mechanical aids (trolleys, lifters) to reduce strain
6. Safe Use of Materials Handling Equipment
- Safety procedures for forklifts, pallet jacks, stock pickers, and conveyors
- Pre-start checks and fault reporting
- Pedestrian exclusion zones and operator responsibilities
7. Traffic Management and Vehicle Safety
- Separating pedestrian and vehicle paths in warehouses and yards
- Managing delivery vehicle movements safely
- Signage, line marking, and reversing procedures
8. Warehouse Layout and Housekeeping for Safety
- Ensuring aisles, access ways, and exits remain clear
- Organising racking and storage to reduce fall and trip risks
- Cleaning spills and managing waste to avoid hazards
9. Safe Storage and Stacking of Goods
- Understanding load limits and racking safety requirements
- Using pallets, shelves, and bins to prevent tipping or collapse
- Handling hazardous or fragile items with additional precautions
10. Chemical and Dangerous Goods Safety
- Identifying hazardous substances in logistics operations
- Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labelling
- Storage, handling, and emergency response for spills or leaks
11. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Correctly
- Types of PPE for supply chain roles: gloves, steel caps, hi-vis, hearing protection
- When and how to wear PPE correctly
- Inspecting, maintaining, and replacing PPE
12. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Identifying fire hazards: packaging, fuel, flammable goods
- Using extinguishers, alarms, and emergency stop systems
- Knowing evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency contacts
13. Fatigue and Stress Management in Supply Chain Roles
- Recognising signs of fatigue, especially in shift work and high-demand periods
- Managing work breaks and rotating tasks to reduce burnout
- Supporting mental health and wellbeing at work
14. Communication and Reporting Procedures
- Using radios, hand signals, and clear signage for task safety
- Reporting incidents, hazards, and injuries promptly
- Keeping safety records and completing relevant documentation
15. Working at Heights and Using Elevated Equipment
- Risks when accessing high racks, mezzanines, or platforms
- Fall prevention methods: harnesses, guardrails, scissor lifts
- Safe use of ladders and elevated picking equipment
16. Working Safely with Technology and Automation
- Safety around automated conveyor systems, sorters, and robotics
- Lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance
- Preventing contact between humans and automated equipment
17. Induction, Training, and Competency Requirements
- Importance of safety inductions for new staff and contractors
- Ensuring workers are trained for specific equipment and tasks
- Refreshers and toolbox talks for ongoing competency
18. Promoting a Safety Culture in Supply Chain Operations
- Encouraging hazard reporting and proactive safety behaviours
- Involving workers in safety planning and consultation
- Recognising and rewarding safe work practices
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.