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WHS Management for Distribution Centres

Manage forklift traffic, racking compliance, manual handling, and psychosocial risks in high-throughput distribution environments.

Distribution centres present the full spectrum of warehousing hazards at concentrated intensity due to high throughput volumes, continuous forklift movements, and performance-driven picking operations. Large distribution centres may process thousands of forklift movements per shift across multiple aisles, creating pedestrian-plant interaction risks that require rigorous traffic management plans and physical segregation systems. Performance-based picking targets and real-time productivity monitoring systems can create psychosocial risks that must now be assessed under Regulation 55C. A dedicated WHS management plan ensures your distribution centre addresses mechanical, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards in an integrated framework.

Key Hazards

Forklift-pedestrian collisions in high-traffic warehouse aislesRacking collapse from impact damage, overloading, or design failureManual handling injuries from repetitive picking, packing, and loading tasksPsychosocial risks from performance targets, productivity monitoring, and shift workDiesel particulate and CO exposure from forklift and truck operations indoorsFalls from mezzanines, loading docks, and racking access platforms

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Work near powered mobile plant, hazardous manual tasks, work at height

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Managing Risks of Plant in the WorkplaceHazardous Manual TasksPrevention of Falls at Workplaces

SWMS Required

Related Sectors

Need Help with Distribution Centre WHS?

We help distribution centre operators develop compliant WHS management systems covering forklift traffic management, racking inspection programs, and psychosocial risk assessment.

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