𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏𝟐 𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬 💥𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 + 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 $𝟐𝟎 𝐓𝐨 $𝟑𝟐 💥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄! 👉 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
Manage Significant Safety Threats in Supply Chain Operations

Manage Significant Safety Threats in Supply Chain Operations

$40.00
$40.00

COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Manage Significant Safety Threats in Supply Chain Operations course. This comprehensive program is designed to build your capability to identify, assess and control serious safety risks across warehousing, transport and logistics activities, from goods receipt and storage through to linehaul and final delivery.

This course begins by outlining the major categories of safety threats in warehousing, transport and logistics, explaining legal WHS duties, chain-of-responsibility and duty-of-care obligations, clarifying the roles of supervisors, operators, drivers and planners in managing risk, and describing how risk assessment, SWMS and procedures, incident reporting and continuous improvement are used to embed safety into day-to-day supply chain operations.

Manual handling, lifting and ergonomic factors are a major source of both acute injuries and long-term musculoskeletal disorders in supply chain work. This section examines the risks associated with lifting and lowering heavy cartons, pallets, parcels and drums, and the cumulative strain from repetitive lifting, stacking, picking and packing tasks in high-volume operations. It explores how twisting while lifting or reaching across conveyors, pallets or cages, and pushing and pulling loaded pallet jacks, roll cages and trolleys increase the likelihood of back, shoulder and joint injuries. The section also considers poor posture at packing benches, scanning stations and computers, handling long, bulky or unstable loads with poor grip or no handholds, and overreaching into racking, containers, trucks or bins, highlighting the need for engineered aids, task design and safe techniques.

Mobile plant, forklifts and traffic management issues create high-consequence safety threats wherever people and equipment operate in the same space. This section explores the risks of workers being struck or run over by forklifts, reach trucks and pallet movers, and forklift–pedestrian collisions in shared aisles and loading areas. It considers reversing trucks, trailers and forklifts with blind spots and inadequate spotters, slips and falls when mounting or dismounting forklifts, trucks and dock levellers, and forklift tip-over caused by overloading, sharp turns or uneven surfaces. The section further examines the dangers of being pinned or crushed between vehicles and fixed structures, and the impact of poorly marked pedestrian walkways, crossings and speed zones on traffic safety in warehouses and yards.

Vehicles, loading docks and transport tasks expose workers to dynamic, high-risk environments during loading, unloading and vehicle movements. This section examines falls from truck decks, flatbeds, trailers and loading docks, and the risk of being struck by trucks, vans or yard vehicles in bays and yards during busy operations. It explores gaps between docks and vehicle decks that cause slips, trips or falls, roll-away vehicles when brakes or chocks are not correctly applied, and manual handling injuries when loading or unloading vans and utes by hand rather than using mechanical aids. The section also considers falls from steps, ramps or tail-lifts in wet or icy conditions, reinforcing the need for stable equipment, clear procedures and environmental controls.

Slips, trips and same-level falls are pervasive in supply chain operations and can occur in both indoor and outdoor areas. This section examines wet floors from water, oil, fuel, condensation and spills in warehouses and yards, and the hazards created by loose stretch wrap, plastic, strapping, broken pallets and debris left in aisles. It explores how uneven surfaces, potholes, loose plates, damaged concrete and dock edges contribute to trips and falls, how cables, hoses and air lines running across walkways create hidden hazards, and how poor lighting in aisles, racking, cool rooms, containers and external areas reduces hazard visibility. The section also addresses slippery floors in cold stores, freezers and chillers caused by ice and condensation, and the controls required to keep walking surfaces safe.

Falls from height and falling objects create serious risks in racked storage, mezzanines and elevated work areas. This section examines work at height on mezzanines, order pickers, ladders and platforms, and the consequences of inadequate guardrails, gates or fall protection on mezzanines and dock edges. It explores the dangers of reaching into high racking without suitable access equipment, boxes, cartons and drums falling from racking due to poor stacking or impact, and instability of stacked pallets, stillages and bulk containers. The section also considers load collapse in trucks, containers or on racking when freight is poorly secured, highlighting the importance of load restraint, stack stability and exclusion zones.

Hazardous substances and operational materials are integral to supply chain activities but bring their own safety threats if they are not properly controlled. This section examines fuels and oils from forklifts, trucks and plant that can create fire, inhalation and skin contact risks, and battery acid and electrolyte from lead-acid batteries during charging and maintenance that may cause burns or corrosive exposure. It explores gases and refrigerants used in cold chain plant that can cause asphyxiation and cold burns if leaking, floor and equipment cleaning agents and degreasers that create irritation and slip hazards, and aerosol sprays such as lubricants, cleaners and insecticides that present inhalation and fire risks. The section also addresses dust from cardboard, pallets and bulk products that can cause respiratory irritation and, in some conditions, explosion risk, and leaking or damaged chemical freight that exposes workers to corrosive or hazardous substances.

Dangerous goods and special freight categories require specialised handling, storage and transport controls due to their potential for severe harm. This section explores exposure to corrosive, flammable, toxic or oxidising dangerous goods during loading, unloading and storage, and the fire and explosion risk from incompatible loads stored or transported together. It examines fumes from leaking containers or damaged packages of solvents, acids or pesticides, and direct contact with spilled powders, liquids or gases during warehouse or transport incidents. The section also considers the consequences of inadequate labels or documentation leading to incorrect handling or storage, underscoring the importance of classification, segregation and compliance with dangerous goods regulations.

Confined and restricted spaces in supply chain work can present hidden, high-risk conditions that are easily underestimated. This section examines working inside shipping containers, tankers, trailers and enclosed storage spaces where ventilation may be poor, and the build-up of exhaust fumes, refrigerant or off-gassing from stored products that can create toxic or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. It explores how limited entry and exit points make evacuation and rescue difficult in emergencies, and the risk of low oxygen or contaminated atmospheres in sealed containers or cold rooms, emphasising the need for atmospheric testing, permits and safe entry procedures.

Fire, explosion and emergency events in warehouses, depots and transport hubs can rapidly escalate if combustible materials and ignition sources are not tightly controlled. This section examines the risks associated with bulk storage of flammable liquids, gases and aerosols, and the accumulation of cardboard, plastic wrap, pallets and dust that significantly increases fire load. It explores defective wiring, overloaded outlets and damaged power boards in offices and warehouses, and hot work such as welding, grinding and cutting near combustible materials or freight. The section also considers blocked or locked fire exits and obstructed access to extinguishers and hose reels, highlighting the importance of emergency planning, inspections and drills.

Noise and vibration exposure may not always be as visible as other hazards but can cause long-term health impacts and fatigue. This section examines ongoing noise from conveyors, forklifts, palletisers and truck movements, and impact noise from dropped loads, pallets, metal racking and containers. It explores whole-body vibration experienced by regular operators of forklifts, yard tractors and trucks, and hand–arm vibration from powered tools used for maintenance and load restraint, demonstrating how monitoring, engineering controls and personal protection are used to keep exposures within safe limits.

Temperature extremes, cold chain operations and environmental conditions present significant safety and health risks in many logistics workplaces. This section examines heat stress in hot warehouses, yards and loading docks, especially during summer or in enclosed structures, and cold stress in chilled warehouses, freezers and during unloading of cold freight. It explores rapid temperature changes when moving between freezer rooms and ambient areas, dehydration and fatigue when working in hot environments and personal protective equipment, and UV exposure for outdoor yard workers, drivers and dock staff. The section highlights planning, rest breaks, hydration and appropriate clothing as critical controls.

Biological hazards can arise from pests, spoiled freight and close-contact working arrangements in supply chain environments. This section examines the risks posed by rodents, birds and insects in warehouses and yards, including bites, disease transmission and contamination of goods and surfaces. It explores contact with contaminated or spoiled freight such as mouldy goods and waste, exposure to body fluids or waste in some freight categories and returns, and the spread of respiratory infections in shared amenities, break rooms and shared vehicles. The section reinforces hygiene, pest control, cleaning protocols and ill-health reporting as part of safety management.

Workplace violence, aggression and security risks can affect staff in depots, docks and yards, particularly where there are delays, disputes or high-value goods. This section examines aggression from customers, drivers or contractors over delays, allocation issues and loading priorities, and security incidents at docks, depots and yards including theft, trespass and confrontations. It also considers the particular risks of lone work in remote yards, overnight shifts or isolated loading docks, emphasising the need for communication systems, security measures and supportive procedures for staff.

Psychosocial hazards and fatigue are significant contributors to incidents and near misses in supply chain operations, especially in time-critical logistics networks. This section examines how long shifts, night work, overtime and rotating rosters contribute to fatigue and reduced alertness, and how schedule pressure to meet strict loading windows, delivery times and KPIs can drive rushed decisions and shortcuts. It explores stress arising from peak workloads during seasonal surges and promotions, conflict between warehouse, transport, administration and customer service teams, and fatigue-related errors such as mis-picks, load restraint failures, collisions and trips, highlighting the role of rostering, staffing and supportive leadership.

Office-based and systems-related physical risks also affect planners, schedulers, inventory staff and other support roles within supply chain operations. This section examines prolonged sitting for computer-based staff, poor workstation ergonomics that can lead to neck, shoulder and back problems, and eye strain from extended screen use and suboptimal lighting. It also considers repetitive strain injuries from intensive keyboard and mouse use without breaks, reinforcing that safety management must extend beyond the warehouse floor and yard to encompass all parts of the supply chain workforce.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with comprehensive knowledge, structured risk-assessment methods and practical control strategies to identify, manage and escalate significant safety threats in supply chain operations, helping to protect workers, contractors, customers and the public while supporting safe, efficient and legally compliant logistics performance.

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 Threats in Supply Chain Operations

  • Major categories of safety threats in warehousing, transport and logistics
  • Legal WHS duties, chain-of-responsibility and duty-of-care obligations
  • Roles of supervisors, operators, drivers and planners in managing risk
  • Risk assessment, SWMS/procedures, incident reporting and continuous improvement

2. Manual Handling, Lifting and Ergonomics

  • Lifting and lowering heavy cartons, pallets, parcels and drums
  • Repetitive lifting, stacking, picking and packing tasks
  • Twisting while lifting or reaching across conveyors, pallets or cages
  • Pushing and pulling loaded pallet jacks, roll cages and trolleys
  • Poor posture at packing benches, scanning stations and computers
  • Handling long, bulky or unstable loads with poor grip or no handholds
  • Overreaching into racking, containers, trucks or bins

3. Mobile Plant, Forklifts and Traffic Management

  • Being struck or run over by forklifts, reach trucks and pallet movers
  • Forklift–pedestrian collisions in shared aisles and loading areas
  • Reversing trucks, trailers and forklifts with blind spots
  • Slips and falls mounting or dismounting forklifts, trucks and dock levellers
  • Forklift tip-over from overloading, sharp turns or uneven surfaces
  • Being pinned or crushed between vehicles and fixed structures
  • Poorly marked pedestrian walkways, crossings and speed zones

4. Vehicles, Loading Docks and Transport Tasks

  • Falls from truck decks, flatbeds, trailers and loading docks
  • Being struck by trucks, vans or yard vehicles in bays and yards
  • Gaps between docks and vehicle decks causing slips, trips or falls
  • Roll-away vehicles when brakes or chocks are not applied
  • Manual handling injuries when loading or unloading vans and utes by hand
  • Falls from steps, ramps or tail-lifts in wet or icy conditions

5. Slips, Trips and Same-Level Falls

  • Wet floors from water, oil, fuel, condensation and spills in warehouses and yards
  • Loose stretch wrap, plastic, strapping, broken pallets and debris in aisles
  • Uneven surfaces, potholes, loose plates, damaged concrete and dock edges
  • Cables, hoses and air lines running across walkways
  • Poor lighting in aisles, racking, cool rooms, containers and external areas
  • Slippery floors in cold stores, freezers and chillers from ice and condensation

6. Falls from Height and Falling Objects

  • Working at height on mezzanines, order pickers, ladders and platforms
  • Inadequate guardrails, gates or fall protection on mezzanines and dock edges
  • Reaching into high racking without suitable access equipment
  • Boxes, cartons and drums falling from racking due to poor stacking or impact
  • Instability of stacked pallets, stillages and bulk containers
  • Load collapse in trucks, containers or on racking when freight is poorly secured

7. Hazardous Substances and Operational Materials

  • Fuels and oils from forklifts, trucks and plant causing fire, inhalation and skin contact risks
  • Battery acid and electrolyte from lead-acid batteries during charging and maintenance
  • Gases and refrigerants in cold chain plant causing asphyxiation and cold burns if leaking
  • Floor and equipment cleaning agents and degreasers causing irritation and slip hazards
  • Aerosol sprays (lubricants, cleaners, insecticides) creating inhalation and fire risks
  • Dust from cardboard, pallets and bulk products causing respiratory irritation and possible explosion risk
  • Leaking or damaged chemical freight creating exposure to corrosive or hazardous substances

8. Dangerous Goods and Special Freight

  • Exposure to corrosive, flammable, toxic or oxidising dangerous goods during handling
  • Fire and explosion risk from incompatible loads stored or transported together
  • Fumes from leaking containers or damaged packages of solvents, acids or pesticides
  • Contact with spilled powders, liquids or gases during warehouse or transport incidents
  • Inadequate labels or documentation leading to incorrect handling or storage

9. Confined and Restricted Spaces in Supply Chain Work

  • Working inside shipping containers, tankers, trailers and enclosed storage spaces
  • Build-up of exhaust fumes, refrigerant or off-gassing from stored products
  • Limited entry and exit making evacuation and rescue difficult
  • Low oxygen or contaminated atmospheres in sealed containers or cold rooms

10. Fire, Explosion and Emergency Events

  • Bulk storage of flammable liquids, gases and aerosols
  • Accumulation of cardboard, plastic wrap, pallets and dust increasing fire load
  • Defective wiring, overloaded outlets and damaged power boards in offices and warehouses
  • Hot work (welding, grinding, cutting) near combustible materials or freight
  • Blocked or locked fire exits and obstructed access to extinguishers and hose reels

11. Noise and Vibration Exposure

  • Ongoing noise from conveyors, forklifts, palletisers and truck movements
  • Impact noise from dropped loads, pallets, metal racking and containers
  • Whole-body vibration for regular operators of forklifts, yard tractors and trucks
  • Hand–arm vibration from powered tools used for maintenance and load restraint

12. Temperature, Cold Chain and Environmental Conditions

  • Heat stress in hot warehouses, yards and loading docks, especially in summer
  • Cold stress in chilled warehouses, freezers and during unloading of cold freight
  • Rapid temperature changes moving between freezer rooms and ambient areas
  • Dehydration and fatigue when working in hot environments and PPE
  • UV exposure for outdoor yard workers, drivers and dock staff

13. Biological Hazards in Warehouses and Freight

  • Rodents, birds and insects in warehouses and yards causing bites, disease and contamination
  • Contact with contaminated or spoiled freight, including mouldy goods and waste
  • Exposure to body fluids or waste in some freight categories and returns
  • Respiratory infections spreading in shared amenities, break rooms and shared vehicles

14. Workplace Violence, Aggression and Security Risks

  • Aggression from customers, drivers or contractors over delays and allocation issues
  • Security incidents at docks, depots and yards including theft, trespass and confrontations
  • Lone work in remote yards, overnight shifts or isolated loading docks

15. Psychosocial Hazards and Fatigue

  • Long shifts, night work, overtime and rotating rosters leading to fatigue
  • Schedule pressure to meet strict loading windows, delivery times and KPIs
  • Stress from peak workloads during seasonal surges and promotions
  • Conflict between warehouse, transport, administration and customer service teams
  • Fatigue-related errors such as mis-picks, load restraint failures, collisions and trips

16. Office-Based and Systems-Related Physical Risks

  • Prolonged sitting for planners, schedulers and inventory staff at computers
  • Poor workstation ergonomics for office-based supply chain staff
  • Eye strain from extended screen use and suboptimal lighting
  • Repetitive strain injuries from intensive keyboard and mouse use without breaks

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

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”.