Why Site Inductions Matter

Every person entering a construction site needs to understand its specific hazards and rules. A worker might be highly skilled and experienced—but if they don't know about the live services running under the car park or the fragile roof panels on the adjacent building, that experience won't protect them.

Site inductions bridge the gap between general competence and site-specific knowledge. They're required by CDM 2015 and expected on virtually every commercial construction site.

Legal Requirements

CDM 2015 requires principal contractors to:

• Ensure suitable site inductions are provided
• Ensure all workers receive appropriate information and instructions
• Consult and engage with workers on health and safety

The duty isn't just to "do an induction"—it's to ensure workers actually understand the site hazards and rules before starting work.

Complete Site Induction Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your inductions are comprehensive:

1. Project Information

• ☐ Project description and current phase
• ☐ Principal contractor details
• ☐ Site management team introductions
• ☐ Project duration and working hours
• ☐ Current activities and upcoming work

2. Site Layout and Access

• ☐ Site boundaries and access points
• ☐ Pedestrian routes and crossings
• ☐ Vehicle routes and restrictions
• ☐ Parking arrangements
• ☐ Delivery/loading areas
• ☐ Prohibited/restricted areas
• ☐ Security and sign-in procedures

3. Welfare Facilities

• ☐ Location of toilets
• ☐ Washing facilities
• ☐ Rest/mess room
• ☐ Drinking water
• ☐ Drying room (if provided)
• ☐ Smoking areas (if applicable)

4. Emergency Procedures

• ☐ Fire alarm sound and response
• ☐ Evacuation routes
• ☐ Assembly points
• ☐ Fire extinguisher locations
• ☐ First aid facilities and first aiders
• ☐ Accident reporting procedure
• ☐ Emergency contact numbers
• ☐ Nearest A&E location

5. Site-Specific Hazards

• ☐ Overhead hazards (cables, structures, cranes)
• ☐ Underground services (locations and exclusion zones)
• ☐ Existing asbestos (if applicable)
• ☐ Contaminated ground (if applicable)
• ☐ Fragile surfaces
• ☐ Temporary works and exclusion zones
• ☐ Live systems (water, electricity, gas)
• ☐ Openings and edge protection
• ☐ Adjacent operations (occupied buildings, public areas)

6. PPE Requirements

• ☐ Minimum site PPE (hard hat, hi-vis, boots)
• ☐ Additional PPE for specific areas/tasks
• ☐ PPE inspection and replacement
• ☐ PPE storage

7. Permits and Procedures

• ☐ Permit to work system (hot work, confined space, etc.)
• ☐ Excavation permit requirements
• ☐ Plant/equipment authorisation
• ☐ Lifting operations procedures
• ☐ Electrical isolation procedures

8. Environmental Controls

• ☐ Waste segregation and disposal
• ☐ Spill response
• ☐ Dust and noise controls
• ☐ Protected species/areas (if applicable)
• ☐ Working hours restrictions

9. Conduct and Rules

• ☐ Drug and alcohol policy
• ☐ Mobile phone use
• ☐ Radios/music
• ☐ Housekeeping expectations
• ☐ Reporting unsafe conditions
• ☐ Disciplinary procedure

10. Communication

• ☐ How to raise concerns
• ☐ Toolbox talk schedule
• ☐ Notice board locations
• ☐ Site meeting schedule

Running an Effective Induction

Preparation

• Have a quiet, comfortable space for inductions
• Prepare visual aids (site plan, photos of hazards)
• Have sign-in sheets ready
• Prepare ID cards/stickers if used

Delivery Tips

• Keep it engaging—avoid reading from a script
• Use site-specific examples and photos
• Check understanding, don't just assume
• Encourage questions
• Consider language barriers—use visual aids
• Include a site walk where possible

Documentation

• Record attendee names, companies, and dates
• Have attendees sign to confirm understanding
• Issue ID cards/stickers for visual identification
• Retain records for project duration plus six years

Visitor Inductions

Visitors (clients, inspectors, deliveries) need abridged inductions covering:

• Escort requirements
• PPE requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Prohibited areas
• Basic hazard awareness

Keep visitor inductions short (5-10 minutes) but ensure they're never sent onto site without basic safety information.

Refresher Inductions

Consider refresher inductions when:

• Site conditions change significantly
• New major hazards are introduced
• Workers return after long absence
• Following any serious incident

Digital Induction Options

Many sites now use digital induction systems:

• Pros: Consistent delivery, easy record-keeping, time-efficient for repeat visitors
• Cons: Less personal, harder to check understanding, may miss site updates

Digital inductions work well for standard information but should be supplemented with site-specific briefings and regular updates.

Link to Your RAMS

Site inductions and RAMS are connected—your RAMS should reference site rules covered in induction, and inductions should highlight where workers can find relevant RAMS for their activities. Create your site-specific RAMS with DocGen to ensure consistency between your documentation.