Under Australia's Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws (harmonised in all states except Victoria, which has its own but similar legislation), shop owners have a 'primary duty of care' to ensure the health and safety of workers, customers, and visitors.
Failure to comply can result in fines over $3 million for a body corporate, and even imprisonment for individuals.
This mandatory checklist covers everything a retail shop owner needs to have in place.
Legal Foundation – WHS Acts and Regulations
Each state has its own WHS Act (e.g., NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011, QLD Work Health and Safety Act 2011).
While details vary, the core duties are identical. Key definitions:
- PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking): That is you, the shop owner.
- Officer: Directors or senior managers – personally liable.
- Worker: Employees, contractors, volunteers, work experience students.
Personal liability: An 'officer' can be fined up to $600,000 or imprisoned for 5 years for reckless conduct that exposes a worker to serious harm.
Mandatory WHS Checklist for Retail Shops
Print this list and keep it in your WHS folder. Tick each item when completed and date it.
1. WHS Policy and Consultation
- [ ] Written WHS policy displayed in staff area (kitchen or office).
- [ ] Health and Safety Representative (HSR) elected if at least 20 workers (or if a worker requests one).
- [ ] WHS meeting minutes from the last 12 months (if HSR exists).
- [ ] Evidence that workers are consulted on safety changes (e.g., staff meeting sign-off).
2. Hazard Identification and Risk Register
- [ ] Completed hazard identification for: manual handling (lifting boxes), slips/trips (wet floors), shelving stability, electrical cords, storage of cleaning chemicals.
- [ ] Risk register (document listing each hazard, who is at risk, current controls, review date).
- [ ] Evidence that risks are controlled using the hierarchy: eliminate > substitute > isolate > engineering controls > administrative controls > PPE.
3. Emergency Procedures
- [ ] Fire evacuation diagram displayed near each exit (must show 'you are here' and assembly point).
- [ ] Emergency evacuation drill conducted within last 6 months (log with date and attendees).
- [ ] First aid kit – stocked and checked monthly. Kit must be accessible and signed off.
- [ ] First aid officer(s) appointed (minimum one per shop). Certificate in First Aid (HLTAID011) current.
- [ ] Emergency contact numbers posted near phone (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Poisons Hotline 13 11 26).
4. Manual Handling and Ergonomics
- [ ] Step stools or ladders provided for reaching high shelves (no climbing on pallets or chairs).
- [ ] Trolleys or sack trucks for moving heavy boxes (maximum weight per box labelled).
- [ ] Checkout/counter height ergonomically assessed (avoid repetitive strain).
- [ ] Staff trained in safe lifting techniques (document training).
5. Slips, Trips, and Falls
- [ ] Floor surfaces are non-slip (or anti-slip mats in wet areas).
- [ ] 'Wet Floor' signs available and used immediately after mopping or spills.
- [ ] Cables from vacuum cleaners, cash registers, or phones do not cross walkways.
- [ ] Aisles remain clear of boxes or stock at all times (fire compliance).
6. Electrical Safety
- [ ] Portable electrical equipment (kettles, fridges, fans) tested and tagged within last 12 months (or 5 years for double-insulated equipment).
- [ ] Power boards not overloaded (no 'piggybacking' multiple boards).
- [ ] Residual current devices (RCDs) installed on all socket outlets (tested every 6 months using 'test' button).
7. Hazardous Chemicals (Cleaning Products)
- [ ] Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all cleaning chemicals (bleach, glass cleaner, floor cleaner) available and updated within last 5 years.
- [ ] Chemicals stored in original labelled containers, never in drink bottles.
- [ ] Spill kit available (gloves, absorbent material, disposal bags).
8. Worker Training and Supervision
- [ ] Induction checklist completed for every new worker (signed and dated). Covers: fire exits, first aid, manual handling, bullying/harassment policy.
- [ ] Refresher training every 12 months (record kept).
- [ ] Young workers (under 25) given additional supervision – they are 3x more likely to be injured.
9. Incident Reporting and Record Keeping
- [ ] Incident register (hard copy or digital) for all injuries, near-misses, and illnesses.
- [ ] Notifiable incidents reported to WHS regulator within 48 hours (death, serious injury, or dangerous incident).
- [ ] Records kept for 7 years (minimum).
State-Specific Differences
While the checklist applies in all states, your regulator varies:
- NSW: SafeWork NSW
- VIC: WorkSafe Victoria (note: Victoria does not follow harmonised laws, but obligations are similar).
- QLD: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
- WA: WorkSafe WA
- SA: SafeWork SA
- TAS: WorkSafe Tasmania
- ACT: WorkSafe ACT
- NT: NT WorkSafe
Annual compliance: For shops with 20+ workers, you may need to prepare a written WHS management plan. For smaller shops, the checklist above is usually sufficient but still mandatory.
Finally, display a 'WHS – If you see something unsafe, say something' poster.
Your workers are your best safety inspectors.