Free Safe Operating Procedure (Produce Packing) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Produce Packing) Template

This Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) for produce packing provides a structured framework for documenting the hazards and control measures associated with sorting, grading, washing, and packing fresh produce. A key purpose of this template is to help a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meet their primary duty of care by providing a safe system of work.

Using a comprehensive Free Safe Operating Procedure (Produce Packing) Template helps standardise processes, ensuring all workers follow the same safe steps, which is critical in environments with seasonal or casual labour.

The SOP outlines common hazards in produce packing sheds, including manual handling injuries from lifting and repetitive tasks, entanglement risks from machinery, slips and trips from wet floors, and biological hazards. By clearly documenting control measures—such as correct lifting techniques, machine guarding, housekeeping schedules, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements—your organisation can systematically reduce the risk of injury.

Many packing lines use automated equipment, so it's also important to have a specific Conveyer System SOP to manage those distinct risks.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Produce Packing) Template

This document is a starting point designed for customisation. Download the template in DOCX format to edit it with your site-specific details.

You must conduct a risk assessment for your produce packing activities to identify all unique hazards present in your workplace. This includes listing the specific types of machinery used, the layout of the packing area, the types of produce being handled, and the required PPE.

Important: This is a template and not a complete safety document. We have drafted it to be aligned with Australian WHS standards, but you must adapt it to reflect the actual conditions and risks of your workplace.

Fill in the relevant sections, add photos of your equipment, and ensure the procedure is reviewed by workers and supervisors who perform the task. If you require assistance with complex risk assessments or procedure development, our WHS consulting services can provide expert guidance.

When to use a Produce Packing SOP

A Safe Operating Procedure for produce packing should be a core part of your daily operations and safety management. It should be used during the induction and training of new employees to ensure they understand the expected safe work methods from day one.

It also serves as a valuable tool for refresher training for existing staff, especially before the start of a new season or when new equipment is introduced.

The SOP should be readily accessible in the work area for workers to reference before starting their shift or a specific task. Furthermore, it is a critical document for supervisors to use when conducting workplace observations or safety checks.

In the event of an incident or near-miss, the SOP should be reviewed as part of the investigation to determine if the procedure was followed and if it needs revision. Effective SOPs are a fundamental component of robust WHS management systems.

Who should use this SOP

This SOP is intended for use by multiple groups within an agricultural or horticultural business:

• Workers: To understand the safe and correct way to perform produce packing tasks, including pre-operational checks and emergency responses.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders: To train workers, monitor compliance with safe work practices, and enforce safety standards on the packing floor.
• Managers and PCBUs: To demonstrate that a safe system of work has been established, documented, and communicated as part of fulfilling their WHS obligations.

Everyone involved in the task has a responsibility to follow the procedure. This ensures consistency and safety across all shifts and teams.

Documenting procedures is equally important for mobile plant used on site, such as for moving pallets of packed goods; our Telehandler SOP is a useful resource for this related task.

Key Elements of a Produce Packing SOP

A comprehensive produce packing SOP should cover several critical areas to be effective. When customising this template, ensure you include detailed, site-specific information for the following:

• Required PPE: List all mandatory PPE, such as non-slip footwear, gloves, aprons, and any required hearing protection if machinery noise levels are high.
• Pre-Operational Checks: Detail daily checks for machinery, including ensuring guards are in place, emergency stops are functional, and work areas are clear of debris.
• Step-by-Step Procedure: Break down the entire packing process into a logical sequence of safe actions, from receiving the produce to dispatching the final packed product.
• Waste Management: Specify procedures for safely handling and disposing of organic waste, packaging offcuts, and other materials to maintain good housekeeping.
• Emergency Procedures: Clearly state the steps to take in an emergency, including the locations of first aid kits, emergency stop buttons, and procedures for reporting incidents.

For a broader look at agricultural equipment safety, our Spreader SOP provides another example of a task-specific safety document. You can also explore our entire free WHS resources library for more templates and guides.