Site inductions can range from a handshake at the gate, signing your name at the bottom of a policy, or even half a day of training offsite.

A business must provide information, training and instructions to protect both workers and visitors on their site. Inductions provide people with the basic knowledge of work health and safety requirements such as the key risks on site they need to be aware of and what to do in an emergency.

What information should be provided at a workplace induction?

Workplace specific inductions vary depending on the type industry. For example, an induction could include a short pre-start meeting or on the job training if delivering product or doing casual work. More detailed inductions would be required if working full-time on a site or if a contractor who is on site on a regular basis.

It is good practise to let new workers and visitors to the site know about the following key points:

• Incident, emergency and evacuation procedures.
• The layout of the workplace including entries and exits, location of facilities, first aid and security requirements.
• How to report incidents and hazards.
• Hazards and risks specific to the workplace e.g. working with tools/equipment.
• Control measures for those risks e.g. follow safe work procedures and have the appropriate training in their use.
• Site specific rules that must be complied with e.g. you must wear personal protective equipment.

Safety documents, policies and plans specific to the workplace e.g. emergency plan.

Task specific training

If the person will be working on the site then you should give them task specific training. This training provides information to people carrying out a particular job and what hazards, risks and control measures link to that particular task. This training should cover:

• Who is in charge and responsible.
• Information on the task that worker will be doing.
• Hazards, risks and control measures involved in carrying out the task.
• If relevant, it is good to show workers the safe work practices applicable to the work they are undertaking.
• Any relevant legal responsibilities, codes of practice or technical standards that must be followed.

How should an induction be carried out?

The way an induction can be delivered will depend on various factors, for example the number of people being inducted, the size of the workplace and the complexity of the work health and safety matters to be discussed.

The method of delivering a workplace induction is up to the person in charge as it depends on the size and nature of the industry. It pays to consider any language or cultural barriers before deciding on your induction process. Some ways induction training can be delivered are through:

• On the job training.
• Toolbox talk/pre-start meeting.
• Step by step checklist.
• Induction video or booklet.
• Email or a phone conversation.
• Online interactive programs.

Remember to keep a record

Where possible a record should be kept of the names of people who have been inducted and trained. This should include the training content, who conducted the training and the date. Make sure the participant acknowledges the training, the best way is to sign the training record.