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.
Make It Standard
A standardised Site Induction Checklist ensures 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 a site induction checklist or get a construction safety pack.