In Western Australia, poor warehouse compliance isn’t just a risk—it’s a cost. From avoidable fines to damaged stock and lost time, overlooking the basics can derail your entire logistics chain. Below, we cover the top five warehouse compliance mistakes made by WA businesses and how to fix them before they impact your bottom line.

If you’re managing your own facility or using a third-party warehouse, this guide will help ensure your operations remain safe, efficient, and regulation-ready.

Quick Summary

  • Non-compliance in WA warehouses can lead to safety risks, legal exposure, and costly downtime

  • Common issues include poor signage, outdated safety checks, and incorrect storage methods

  • Regular audits and clear procedures are key to staying compliant

  • Partnering with a WA-based expert like Bossna Logistics helps ensure your storage and distribution processes are handled safely and efficiently

1. Inadequate Safety Signage and Labelling

One of the most common warehouse compliance issues in WA is improper or missing signage. Whether it’s unclear fire exits, poorly marked hazardous areas, or unlabeled storage zones, missing signage can breach both WorkSafe and fire safety standards.

Fix it: Conduct a visual inspection across your facility. Clearly mark:

  • Emergency exits and assembly points

  • Dangerous goods and hazard zones

  • Forklift and pedestrian lanes

  • Racking capacity limits

Regularly check that signage is clean, visible, and compliant with current WA regulations.

See also: Warehouse Safety Checklist

2. No Formal Warehouse Safety Checklist

Too many WA warehouses operate without a structured safety checklist. This results in inconsistent practices and increases the risk of avoidable injuries, compliance breaches, or missed maintenance.

Fix it: Implement a checklist that includes:

  • Daily floor inspections

  • Forklift maintenance logs

  • Emergency response drills

  • PPE availability and usage

  • Regular racking inspections

Consistency is key—these checks should be documented and reviewed monthly.

3. Incorrect Storage of Goods

Stacking goods too high, blocking emergency exits, or failing to separate incompatible products are all major violations. These mistakes can also lead to product damage and inefficiencies in order picking.

Fix it: Establish clear SOPs (standard operating procedures) for:

  • Maximum stacking heights based on pallet/rack capacity

  • Keeping fire exits and ventilation paths clear

  • Separating goods by type (e.g., flammable vs non-flammable)

Our Warehouse & Distribution service is designed to avoid these pitfalls with professional handling and storage processes built for compliance and efficiency.

4. Lack of Staff Training and Licensing Records

Even with good systems in place, untrained or uncertified staff can compromise safety and compliance. This is especially important for forklift operators, pickers, and staff managing high-risk inventory.

Fix it: Maintain up-to-date training logs for every team member. This includes:

  • Forklift licenses and renewal dates

  • Manual handling training

  • Safety and emergency procedure inductions

Schedule refresher training annually and ensure records are available during audits.

5. Overlooking Temperature-Controlled Compliance

If you’re storing temperature-sensitive goods (especially food or pharmaceuticals), WA regulations require precise control and record-keeping.

Fix it: Ensure:

  • All cold storage is fitted with calibrated temperature monitors

  • Logs are kept and reviewed regularly

  • Staff know what to do in the event of temperature breaches

Bossna’s warehousing team includes HACCP-certified professionals trained to maintain these compliance standards for clients who store sensitive goods.

Why WA Businesses Trust Bossna for Warehouse Compliance

At Bossna Logistics, we’re more than a storage provider—we are your warehousing partner.

WA businesses count on us for:

  • Secure, 24/7 monitored warehouse facilities

  • Short- and long-term storage with custom fit-outs

  • Integrated compliance processes handled by trained logistics professionals

  • Streamlined pick, pack, and distribution services tailored to your inventory needs

With safety, accuracy, and cost-efficiency at the core of our service, you can focus on growing your business while we handle your warehousing with confidence.

Explore our full Warehouse Distribution Services

Final Thoughts

Compliance is not just a checkbox—it’s a business advantage. Warehouses that follow safety protocols, train staff, and implement structured processes operate more efficiently and avoid costly disruptions.

Avoid the top five mistakes above and you’ll build a safer, more productive operation from the ground up.

Need help ensuring your warehouse meets WA standards? Let us handle it—Bossna offers trusted and hassle-free solutions tailored to your needs.