A site induction is a structured briefing delivered to every person before they first enter a worksite. It ensures they understand the site-specific hazards, emergency procedures and rules before starting work.
This guide covers the complete induction process from preparation through to record-keeping, for both contractors and visitors on construction, mining, manufacturing and facilities sites.
Before you start
Gather your site induction checklist, an attendance register, a current site map, your PPE requirements list and an emergency procedure summary.
Tailor the content to the site. A generic induction misses the hazards that actually matter. Review the current site activities, any high-risk work and recent incidents before you brief anyone. A compliance system helps track which induction version is current and when refreshers are due.
Step-by-step induction
1. Prepare induction materials
Gather the induction checklist, site map, emergency plan and PPE requirements list. Confirm each document reflects the current state of the site. If activities have changed since the last induction, update the hazard information before you proceed.
2. Meet and verify credentials
Check the attendee's credentials before starting. For contractors, verify licences, insurances and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work. In Australia, every construction worker must hold a valid White Card. Record credential details and expiry dates. Do not allow access until everything is current.
3. Walk through site rules and emergency procedures
Cover the rules that apply to everyone on site: speed limits, exclusion zones, smoking areas, alcohol and drug policies, and mobile phone restrictions. Then walk through the emergency procedures, including muster points, first aid locations, fire evacuation routes and who to contact in an emergency. Use the site map to show these locations visually. A toolbox talk can reinforce specific emergency topics on an ongoing basis.
4. Identify site-specific hazards and controls
Walk through the current hazards: active work activities (crane lifts, excavation), overhead hazards, underground services, traffic management and environmental risks. Explain the controls in place for each. Linking your induction to a current risk assessment ensures the hazard information stays accurate.
5. Issue PPE and access
Confirm the attendee's PPE meets site minimums. Issue any additional PPE, ID badges or access passes required and sign the person in to the site register with time of entry.
6. Record attendance and sign-off
Every attendee must sign the induction register with date, time, full name, company and the induction version delivered. The signature confirms they have received and understood the content. This record is your primary evidence of compliance during audits.
7. File the induction record
Store the completed record for the duration of the project plus the statutory retention period (typically seven years). Paper records should be scanned and backed up. Digital records in a centralised system are searchable and far easier to retrieve during audits.
Induction content checklist
| Topic | Details to cover |
|---|---|
| Site rules | Speed limits, smoking policy, alcohol and drugs, mobile phone use |
| Emergency procedures | Muster points, first aid locations, fire evacuation, spill response |
| Hazard overview | Current high-risk activities, active work zones, known hazards |
| PPE requirements | Minimum site PPE and any task-specific requirements |
| Communication | Who to report to, radio channels, emergency contact numbers |
| Environmental controls | Waste segregation, spill kits, fauna management, dust suppression |
| Working hours and access | Sign in and out procedures, permitted areas, restricted zones |
Contractor vs visitor inductions
| Aspect | Contractor induction | Visitor induction |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 to 60 minutes | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Depth | Full hazard and procedure coverage | Site rules and emergency basics |
| Documentation | Licence, insurance, SWMS | Photo ID, visitor log entry |
| PPE | Full site PPE (hard hat, hi-vis, boots, glasses, gloves) | Hard hat, hi-vis vest, closed shoes |
| Escorted? | No (after completing induction) | Usually yes, at all times |
For contractor inductions, use a dedicated contractor induction checklist to ensure nothing is missed. For visitors, a visitor log captures the essentials without unnecessary detail.
Regulatory requirements
In Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 s19 places a duty on PCBUs to provide information, instruction and training to workers. WHS Regulation r39 specifically addresses induction and training. Any person performing construction work must hold a White Card before entering the site.
In the US, OSHA does not mandate site inductions by name, but the general duty clause (s5(a)(1)) and specific standards such as 29 CFR 1926.21 (construction safety training) require hazard training before exposure. A documented induction is the most practical way to demonstrate compliance.
Record retention varies by jurisdiction. Standard practice is the duration of the project plus seven years.
Going digital with MapTrack
Paper induction packs are slow to update, easy to lose and hard to search. MapTrack replaces paper with digital induction forms that can be completed on a tablet on site. Every field is mandatory, so nothing gets skipped, and the record is stored centrally the moment the attendee signs off.
The compliance module tracks induction expiry dates and triggers automatic reminders when a refresher is due. Pull up any record in seconds during an audit. Combined with the mobile app, supervisors can deliver inductions anywhere on site without returning to the office for paperwork.
