Quick answer: A site induction is mandatory for every worker, contractor, and visitor before they begin work on a construction site. A White Card is not a substitute — every site requires its own site-specific induction covering that site's unique hazards, emergency procedures, and rules.
Last reviewed: March 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects current Model WHS Regulations.
A Site Induction is a mandatory training session that must be provided to every worker, visitor, or contractor before they start work on a construction site.
The purpose is to familiarise them with the specific hazards, rules, and emergency procedures of that particular site. A General Construction Induction Card (White Card) is not a substitute for a site-specific induction.
What Must Be Covered?
To be compliant, your Site Induction Checklist should cover the following key areas:
1. Site Details & Management
- Location of the site office and amenities (toilets, water, lunchroom).
- Names of key personnel (Site Supervisor, First Aid Officer, HSR).
- Site hours and access rules.
2. Emergency Procedures
- Evacuation Assembly Point: Where do we go if the alarm sounds?
- Emergency Siren/Signal: What does it sound like?
- Location of Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits.
- Emergency contact numbers (000, local hospital, poison info).
3. Site-Specific Hazards
- What are the high-risk activities happening right now? (e.g., "Cranes operating overhead today," "Deep excavation in the north corner").
- Traffic management plan (Where can vehicles go? Where are the pedestrian zones?).
- Hazardous chemicals stored on site.
4. Site Rules
- PPE requirements (e.g., Hard hats and boots mandatory at all times).
- Drug and Alcohol policy.
- Smoking zones.
- Bullying and harassment policy.
5. Consultation & Reporting
- How to report an incident or near miss.
- Location of SWMS and safety documents.
- How to raise a safety issue.
Record Keeping
You must keep a record of who has been inducted.
- Have the worker sign the Induction Register.
- Record their White Card number and other licence details.
- Keep these records on site so they are available for inspection.
Visitor Inductions
Visitors who are not working (e.g., clients, architects, delivery drivers) still need a modified induction. They must be instructed on emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and must be accompanied by an inducted person at all times.
State and Territory Variations
The information on this page is based on the Model WHS Regulations published by Safe Work Australia, which have been adopted (with minor variations) by most states and territories.
| Jurisdiction | WHS regulator | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | SafeWork NSW | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
| VIC | WorkSafe Victoria | Uses OHS Act 2004 — some terminology differs |
| QLD | Workplace Health and Safety Queensland | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
| SA | SafeWork SA | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
| WA | WorkSafe Western Australia | Adopted Model WHS Regulations (2022) |
| TAS | WorkSafe Tasmania | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
| NT | NT WorkSafe | Adopted Model WHS Regulations |
Always verify requirements with your state regulator, as local codes of practice may impose additional induction content requirements.
Related guides
- How to Run a Toolbox Talk
- What to Do When a SafeWork Inspector Visits
- Chain of Responsibility: Subcontractor Safety
- How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Frequently asked questions
Is a site induction a legal requirement?
Yes. PCBUs must provide information, training, instruction, and supervision to ensure worker safety under the WHS Act. A site induction is the standard way to meet this obligation before a worker starts on a new site.
Does a White Card replace a site induction?
No. A White Card confirms general construction induction has been completed — it does not replace a site-specific induction covering the hazards and procedures of the actual site.
What must a site induction cover?
A compliant induction must cover site details and key personnel, emergency procedures and assembly points, site-specific hazards, site rules (PPE, drug and alcohol), and how to report incidents or raise safety issues.
Do visitors need a site induction?
Yes, a modified version. Visitors must be told about emergency procedures and PPE requirements, and must be accompanied by an inducted person at all times while on site.
Make It Standard
A standardised site induction document helps ensure you never miss a critical topic. It protects your business by proving that you informed the worker of the rules before they started.
Need ready-made induction tools? Download the Site Safety Induction SOP or get the Building and Construction SWMS Pack.