What is an induction?

An induction is an important information sharing session that helps familiarise people with their workplace. This includes the locations, equipment, materials, processes and tasks they may encounter for the first time.

To achieve the best results, inductions need to be tailored and targeted to accommodate all workers (i.e. employees, contractors, trainees). Induction topics should cover:

• hazards and associated risks
• safe work procedures and practices
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• workplace facilities.

Workers may require refresher training if:

• they have been absent for some time
• there have been site changes (e.g. a modified traffic system)
• the work environment is different to the one normally encountered (e.g. switching to night shift for first time).

Site inductions

Site inductions should ensure workers receive appropriate safety information before commencing work. This is to ensure they can recognise the hazards on site that could potentially harm them. Workers should also understand the control measures in place to protect them from such hazards.

Induction requirements should be compiled using information from:

• legislative requirements
• site-specific competency and training needs analysis
• risk management processes
• relevant training packages
• changes to site (e.g. change in traffic management)
• health and safety management systems
• standards applicable to the site.

Every site induction should be provided to new workers and it is the responsibility of the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure the worker has understood the necessary information. The PCBU should review the site’s induction training regularly to determine whether the content is still relevant.

As a PCBU, you should ensure your site inductions consist of a formal program that provides your workers with an understanding of:

• the site layout, including emergency muster points
• emergency contact numbers and emergency procedures
• the duty of care obligations of your organisation and your workers
• common hazards and risks on the site and their corresponding control measures
• basic risk management principles and the tools used on site
• reporting processes for hazards, incidents, injuries and faults
• the standard of behaviour expected of workers
• communication and reporting procedures
• the roles and function of any health and safety representatives and the health and safety committee.

Presenting methods for inductions

When planning how to present your induction, always consider your workers’ literacy levels and their general grasp of the language, and tailor training accordingly.

Asking your workers to read and sign-off on pages of text that are legal or technical in nature is unlikely to be successful. Similarly, overloading your workers with other training or information not relevant to the induction training may prevent them from retaining important safety information. The aim of the induction is to prepare people for the workplace. Ensure that you present information in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand.

Area specific inductions

Area specific inductions are conducted to inform the worker of specific hazards they may encounter in their particular work area, as well as the controls that should be in place before starting their tasks. Items to cover in an area specific induction can include:

• the layout of work area or plant
• emergency muster points and evacuation procedures
• personal protective equipment (PPE) and facilities
• first aid facilities
• fire fighting equipment for the area
• ablution block and crib (rest) facilities
• area hazards and controls.

Visitor inductions

Visitor inductions are conducted to inform visitors about what is expected of them while they are on site. These inductions may also include task-specific rules and detail when there is a need for a site escort.

Visitor inductions should also describe emergency procedures and the location of emergency muster points.

We have developed checklists for new and young workers including work experience that might be useful.