What an induction must cover
A site induction tells new workers and visitors about the risks particular to this site and how they are controlled. It should be short and specific. Cover at least:
- who's in charge and how to contact them;
- site rules, hours, welfare and smoking areas;
- significant risks and current work in progress;
- PPE required;
- traffic routes, exclusion zones and storage;
- fire, first aid and emergency procedures;
- reporting accidents, near misses and concerns.
Site induction checklist and record
IND-001 · Rev A| Site | |
|---|---|
| Name of inductee | |
| Company and trade | |
| Emergency contact | |
| Cards and competence checked (CSCS etc.) |
| Check | Yes / No / N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site manager and contacts | ||
| Site rules and working hours | ||
| Welfare, drinking water, smoking area | ||
| Current work and significant risks | ||
| Asbestos and services information | ||
| PPE requirements | ||
| Traffic routes and exclusion zones | ||
| Fire points and evacuation | ||
| First aiders and first aid kit | ||
| Accident and near-miss reporting | ||
| Relevant RAMS briefed |
| Inducted by (name, signature) | |
|---|---|
| Inductee signature | |
| Date |
How to run a good site induction
- Keep it to 15–20 minutes and do it before anyone starts work.
- Walk the site where you can: point out the welfare, fire points, exclusion zones and access routes.
- Check cards and competence (CSCS, CPCS, IPAF, PASMA) and record them.
- Brief the RAMS for the work they will be doing.
- Ask questions to check understanding, especially where English isn't someone's first language.
- Record it and keep the record with the construction phase plan.
Visitors and delivery drivers
Visitors need a short version covering emergency arrangements, PPE and where they may go, and should be escorted. Delivery drivers need to know the route, the unloading area and to stay with their vehicle or in a safe area.
Induction for workers who don't speak English well
Use pictures, demonstrations and short, plain sentences. Pair new workers with someone who speaks their language where possible, and check understanding by asking them to show you, not just to nod. Translated summaries of site rules help, but don't rely on them alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is a site induction a legal requirement?
Yes. CDM 2015 requires the principal contractor to ensure a suitable site induction is provided. On single-contractor jobs, the contractor must make sure workers receive one.
Do visitors need an induction?
Visitors need enough information to stay safe, usually a shorter induction and an escort.
Sources
This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.