The Complete Manufacturing Compliance Checklist for Australian SMBs

Manufacturing compliance in Australia is among the most complex of any industry. You are simultaneously managing serious WHS obligations — plant registration, hazardous chemicals, high-risk work licences — alongside employment law, environmental licences, product safety obligations, and standard tax and payroll requirements. A gap in any one of these areas creates real exposure.

This manufacturing compliance checklist brings every key obligation together in one place. Whether you operate a food processing facility, a metal fabrication workshop, a plastics manufacturer, or a small batch production business, use this checklist to identify your current compliance status and the gaps you need to address.

This is not a substitute for professional advice — but it is the most complete overview of manufacturing compliance obligations most Australian SMBs have ever seen in one document.

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Part 1: Work Health and Safety Compliance

WHS obligations in manufacturing are more demanding than in most industries. The combination of plant, hazardous chemicals, high-risk work, and manual labour creates a risk profile that requires systematic management — not just a first aid kit and a policy document.

Core PCBU Obligations

• [ ] WHS management system is in place and documented — covering hazard identification, risk assessment, safe work procedures, and incident reporting
• [ ] Hazard register is current, covering all identified workplace hazards including plant, chemicals, manual tasks, noise, dust, and environmental conditions
• [ ] Workers are genuinely consulted on WHS matters — toolbox talks, pre-shift briefings, or WHS committee meetings
• [ ] Emergency procedures are documented, displayed, and practised — including evacuation, emergency shutdown, and spill response procedures
• [ ] Emergency response equipment is accessible and current — fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash stations, spill kits, first aid facilities
• [ ] WHS roles and responsibilities are clearly assigned for plant maintenance, chemical management, incident reporting, and worker consultation

Plant and Equipment

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations, certain plant must be registered with the state or territory WHS regulator before it is used in the workplace.

• [ ] All plant requiring registration is identified — typically includes boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping, cranes, hoists, and lifts above applicable thresholds (check your state/territory WHS Regulations)
• [ ] All registrable plant has current registration with the relevant WHS regulator — renewal dates are tracked
• [ ] Plant design registrations are in place where required (for certain plant classes, the design must be registered before manufacture or supply)
• [ ] Pre-operational and pre-shift checks are conducted for all mobile plant and recorded
• [ ] Plant maintenance records are documented and up to date — service, inspection, and repair history
• [ ] Guarding is in place on all moving parts and points of danger — not removed for operational convenience
• [ ] Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are followed when plant is being serviced or cleaned
• [ ] Defective plant is tagged out of service and not returned to service until repaired and re-inspected

High-Risk Work Licences

Certain tasks in manufacturing require a high-risk work licence issued by the WHS regulator. Common categories include forklift operation (LF class), crane operation (various classes), rigging, scaffolding, boiler operation, and pressure equipment operation.

• [ ] All workers performing high-risk work hold a current licence for the relevant class — expiry dates are tracked
• [ ] Licence records for all high-risk workers are maintained on file
• [ ] Workers who supervise high-risk work are also appropriately licensed where required
• [ ] No unlicensed workers are performing high-risk work, including informally

Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods

• [ ] A current register of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace has been prepared and is maintained
• [ ] Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for every hazardous chemical — current version accessible to workers at the point of use, not just filed in an office
• [ ] Workers are trained in the hazards of chemicals they work with and in emergency response procedures
• [ ] Hazardous chemicals are stored correctly — in accordance with SDS requirements, segregated from incompatible substances, with appropriate spill containment
• [ ] Flammable and combustible substances are stored in compliant purpose-built storage (AS 1940 flammable liquids storage)
• [ ] Dangerous goods storage complies with the relevant state/territory dangerous goods code
• [ ] Exposure monitoring is conducted where required for substances with workplace exposure standards — records maintained
• [ ] Health monitoring is conducted for workers exposed to designated hazardous chemicals requiring it — records maintained for the required period
• [ ] Chemical waste disposal complies with EPA and state/territory requirements

Hazardous Manual Tasks

• [ ] Risk assessments conducted for all tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or repetitive movements
• [ ] Engineering controls used where practicable — hoists, trolleys, conveyor systems, height-adjustable workstations
• [ ] Workers trained in manual handling for residual risk; work rotation used where practicable

Noise Management

• [ ] Noise levels across the facility have been assessed against the workplace exposure standard
• [ ] Engineering controls are the primary control where levels exceed the standard — acoustic enclosures, vibration isolation, process changes
• [ ] Hearing protection provided where engineering controls are insufficient — worn consistently
• [ ] Audiometric testing conducted for workers with excessive noise exposure at the frequency required by your state/territory WHS regulation

Confined Spaces

• [ ] All confined spaces are identified and clearly labelled
• [ ] Entry proceeds only under a current confined space entry permit
• [ ] Atmospheric testing is conducted before and monitored during entry
• [ ] A rescue plan and standby person are in place before any worker enters a confined space

Psychosocial Hazards

• [ ] Psychosocial hazards have been assessed — shift work fatigue, repetitive work, production pressure, traumatic incident exposure, bullying and harassment
• [ ] Controls are in place for identified psychosocial risks
• [ ] Anti-bullying and harassment policy is in place, communicated to all workers, and workers know how to report concerns

Incident Reporting

• [ ] Notifiable incidents are reported to the WHS regulator immediately — notifiable incidents include the death of a person, a serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident as defined under the WHS Act
• [ ] The incident site is preserved until the WHS regulator grants permission to disturb it (except to make the site safe or rescue an injured person)
• [ ] An incident register is maintained for all incidents, injuries, illnesses, and near misses
• [ ] Incident investigations are conducted for significant incidents with a documented corrective action process

Workers Compensation

• [ ] Workers compensation insurance policy is current and covers all employees including casuals
• [ ] Premium is calculated correctly and paid on time — premiums are based on your remuneration, industry classification, and claims history
• [ ] Injury management and return-to-work procedures are documented, and a return-to-work coordinator is designated where required by your state scheme
• [ ] Workers know how to report an injury and understand the claims process

WHS Training

• [ ] All new workers receive a comprehensive WHS induction before commencing work — covering site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and safe work procedures for their role
• [ ] Role-specific training is provided for workers undertaking specialised tasks — plant operation, chemical handling, confined space entry, working at height
• [ ] WHS training records are maintained
• [ ] Managers and supervisors understand their personal WHS duties under the Work Health and Safety Act — including the duty to exercise due diligence

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Part 2: Employment Law Compliance

Applicable Award

Most manufacturing workers in Australia are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (the Manufacturing Award). Some specialist roles may fall under other awards — check the Fair Work Commission's Award Finder if you have any roles that may not fit the Manufacturing Award classification structure.

Staff Classification and Contracts

• [ ] All employees have written employment contracts specifying their employment basis (full-time, part-time, or casual)
• [ ] Each employee is classified at the correct level under the Manufacturing Award — classifications range from C14 (entry level) through to C2 (advanced engineering and technical roles) in the tradesperson and production worker streams, with separate streams for technical and administrative roles
• [ ] Part-time employees have their agreed ordinary hours and days documented in writing
• [ ] Casual employees have received the Casual Employment Information Statement at commencement
• [ ] Casual employees who have worked regular and systematic hours for 12 months have been offered casual conversion in writing within the required timeframe

Pay and Entitlements

• [ ] Base pay rates are at or above the current Manufacturing Award minimum for each classification level — rates are updated every 1 July following the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review
• [ ] Shift penalties are applied correctly — the Manufacturing Award has provisions for shift work including afternoon shift, night shift, and rotating shift allowances
• [ ] Overtime is calculated and paid correctly for both full-time and part-time employees
• [ ] Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday penalty rates are applied correctly
• [ ] Applicable allowances are paid — including leading hand allowances, first aid allowances, special clothing or equipment allowances, and any industry-specific allowances relevant to your manufacturing activities
• [ ] Annual leave loading (17.5% or a shift worker calculation — whichever is greater) is paid when permanent employees take annual leave
• [ ] Apprentice wage rates are applied correctly if you employ apprentices — rates increase at each year of apprenticeship

Superannuation

• [ ] Super is paid at 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025 for all eligible employees
• [ ] Super is paid on time — quarterly until 30 June 2026; from 1 July 2026, payday super applies (payment within 7 days of each payday)
• [ ] Super is included in your STP reporting

Single Touch Payroll

• [ ] STP Phase 2 is active and correctly configured in payroll software
• [ ] Payroll includes disaggregated income type reporting (ordinary pay, overtime, allowances, and leave separately reported)
• [ ] Year-end STP finalisation is completed by 14 July for the previous financial year

Record-Keeping

• [ ] Employment records are maintained for all current and former employees for a minimum of 7 years
• [ ] Records include: start date, employment basis, classification, agreed hours, actual hours worked, pay rates, leave balances, and super contributions
• [ ] Pay slips are issued within one working day of each pay period with all required information
• [ ] Rosters or timesheets recording actual start/finish times are maintained for all employees

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Part 3: Environmental Compliance

Environmental obligations for manufacturers vary significantly by state and territory, by industry sector, and by the scale and nature of operations. The environmental obligations listed here are a starting framework — the specific requirements for your facility depend on your location, the substances you use, and your outputs.

Environmental Licences and Approvals

• [ ] Identify whether your facility requires an environment protection licence (EPL) or equivalent — requirements vary by state EPA and are based on activity type and thresholds (e.g., Environment Protection Authority NSW, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Queensland Department of Environment and Science)
• [ ] If an EPL or equivalent licence is required, it is current, renewal dates are tracked, and conditions are being met
• [ ] Any development approvals or planning permits with environmental conditions are being complied with
• [ ] Scheduled activities under relevant state EPA legislation are identified and authorised where required

Air Emissions

• [ ] Air emissions from your manufacturing process (stack emissions, fugitive emissions, dust) have been assessed against applicable air quality standards and licence conditions
• [ ] Emission controls (scrubbers, bag filters, dust suppression, ventilation) are installed, maintained, and operating effectively
• [ ] Emissions monitoring is conducted at the frequency required by your licence or applicable regulations
• [ ] Reporting obligations for emissions monitoring results are met

Wastewater and Trade Waste

• [ ] Any wastewater or liquid trade waste discharged from your facility is managed in accordance with your trade waste agreement with the local water authority
• [ ] Trade waste approval is current if you discharge trade waste to the sewer
• [ ] Stormwater runoff from your site is managed to prevent contamination — bunded storage, sealed hardstand areas where required, regular inspection of stormwater drains

Waste Management

• [ ] Waste streams are identified and classified — particularly any hazardous or prescribed waste
• [ ] Hazardous or prescribed waste is only transported and disposed of by licensed waste transporters and at licensed facilities
• [ ] Waste tracking documentation is maintained for prescribed waste movements where required
• [ ] Recycling and resource recovery opportunities are taken where feasible
• [ ] General waste disposal complies with local council requirements

Chemical Storage and Spill Prevention

• [ ] Bunding is in place for chemical storage areas — bunding must be capable of containing the volume of the largest container plus 25% (or the volume of all containers — check your state EPA guidance for the applicable standard)
• [ ] Spill response equipment is accessible at chemical storage and use areas
• [ ] Emergency spill response procedures are documented and workers are trained in them
• [ ] Any reportable spills or environmental incidents are reported to the relevant EPA as required

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Part 4: Product Safety and Australian Consumer Law

Even if your customers are other businesses rather than consumers, product safety obligations may still apply if your goods reach the consumer market downstream. If you sell direct to consumers or retail, full ACL obligations apply.

Product Safety Standards

• [ ] Identify all mandatory safety standards under the Australian Consumer Law that apply to the products you manufacture
• [ ] All products comply with applicable mandatory safety standards before being supplied to market
• [ ] Technical documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable standards is maintained
• [ ] Products subject to voluntary standards are assessed and comply with those standards

Product Recalls

• [ ] A product recall procedure is in place — covering how you would identify an affected batch, notify customers, remove products from supply, and communicate with the ACCC
• [ ] The ACCC Product Safety recall notification procedure is understood — if you discover a safety issue with a product you supply, you may have a notification obligation
• [ ] Product batch records and customer supply records are maintained to enable an effective recall if required

Consumer Guarantees and B2B Obligations

• [ ] If you supply goods directly to consumers, your sales, warranty, and returns policies comply with the ACL consumer guarantee framework
• [ ] Your supply contracts with business customers do not attempt to exclude or limit the statutory guarantees that apply to the supply of goods for personal, domestic, or household use

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Part 5: Tax and Payroll Compliance

• [ ] Business is registered for PAYG withholding with the ATO if you have employees
• [ ] GST registration is current (required if annual turnover exceeds $75,000; most manufacturers will be registered)
• [ ] BAS is lodged on time — quarterly or monthly depending on your registration type
• [ ] PAYG withholding is correctly calculated and remitted each BAS period
• [ ] Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) — assess whether your engagement of contractors in relevant sectors requires TPAR lodgement (manufacturing businesses engaging certain contract labour may have TPAR obligations — check with your accountant)
• [ ] FBT assessment completed annually — particularly relevant for manufacturers providing vehicles, parking, or other non-cash benefits to employees
• [ ] Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive — if your business conducts eligible R&D activities, assess eligibility for the R&D Tax Incentive and register with AusIndustry before the deadline (30 April following the end of the income year in which R&D was conducted, for companies that are not public companies or foreign owned)
• [ ] Import duties and customs obligations are correctly managed if you import materials or equipment (Australian Border Force, relevant customs broker)
• [ ] Excise obligations are identified and met if you manufacture excisable goods (alcohol, tobacco, petroleum — check ATO guidance)

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Part 6: Business Registration and Licensing

• [ ] ABN is current and registered details (address, business activities) are up to date with the ABR
• [ ] Business name registration is current (renewed every 1 or 3 years via ASIC)
• [ ] For companies: ASIC annual review fee is paid on time and registered address is current
• [ ] Any industry-specific licences or registrations required by your state or territory are current (e.g., certain food manufacturing licences, drug manufacturing licences, explosives licences, radiation source licences)
• [ ] Export permits and licences are current if you export controlled goods (AUSTRADE/Defence Export Controls)
• [ ] Any quality management certifications relevant to your market (ISO 9001, AS/NZS standards, HACCP for food) are current and audit-ready

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How Often Should You Review This Checklist?

Before starting any new process or activity: WHS risk assessment for new plant, chemical, or process; environmental approval implications; product safety assessment for new product lines

Monthly: PAYG, BAS (if monthly), workers compensation injury management, STP reporting

Quarterly: Super payments (until June 2026), WHS site audit, chemical register review, environmental monitoring reporting

Annually: Award rate update (1 July), workers compensation premium, environmental licence renewal check, plant registration renewals, high-risk work licence expiry check, R&D registration deadline, TPAR lodgement, apprentice wage tier reviews, psychosocial hazard review

When operations change: New plant or equipment (plant registration check), new chemicals (SDS, training, storage), expansion of premises (building approvals, EPA licence variation), new product lines (product safety assessment)

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The Complexity Is Real — and It Compounds

This checklist covers more than 80 compliance obligations across six regulatory domains. Manufacturing businesses carry some of the heaviest regulatory burdens of any industry in Australia — from the daily reality of WHS management to the ongoing demands of environmental licensing, award compliance, and product safety.

Most small manufacturers manage this with an operations manager, a bookkeeper, and an accountant. None of them sees the whole picture — particularly the intersection between WHS, environment, and employment obligations. For a broader view, see our small business compliance checklist.

Reguladar is built for exactly this situation. It gives manufacturing business owners a single compliance dashboard showing every obligation that applies to their specific business, when each one is due, and what needs to happen. You get alerts before deadlines, not after them.

Get your personalised manufacturing compliance dashboard — start free at Reguladar →

This checklist is general information only. Requirements vary significantly by state and territory, industry sub-sector, facility type, and scale of operations. Seek professional advice — including from WHS, environmental, and legal specialists — for your specific situation.

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Related articles:

• WHS Compliance for Small Businesses: Your Obligations as a PCBU
• Payday Super 2026: What Australian Small Businesses Need to Do Now
• Single Touch Payroll Phase 2: The Complete Guide for SMBs