Workplace Inductions

What is a Workplace Induction?

A workplace induction is a process that ensures new workers receive accurate and consistent information on how to perform work tasks safely. An induction should always be performed before workers or contractors perform any work tasks in your workplace.

Why provide Workplace Induction?

Workplace Inductions will vary depending on the type of industry specific to your business operations. A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must provide information, training and instruction necessary to protect all workers from risks to their health and safety arising from the type of work being carried out.  Workers including visitors, contractors and subcontractors should be given workplace specific induction training before starting work, to inform workers about the hazards and risks they may face in the workplace and how to control identified risks – for example what to do in an emergency event.

What is the Induction Process?

The Induction Process is the practice of introducing new workers to your business, the type of work relevant to your industry, introduction to supervisors and co-workers, and most importantly your workplace policies and procedures.

An effective induction process will help ensure that new workers:

• Become productive and feel part of the team to:
  • Assist in cultural change
  • Assist with knowledge transfer
  • Build social networks
• Understand policies and procedures
• Understand the performance standards of their job tasks or position
• Understand Work Health & Safety issues relating to their task or position
• Understand your business culture

What should you include in an Induction?

An workplace induction needs to be specific to your business requirements and the requirements of new workers and should include (but is not limited to) the following –

• Introduction to the Manager, Supervisor or Team Leader
• Performance standards and worker expectations
• Work Times including work breaks
• Introduction to team members
• Team roles and responsibilities
• Introduction to other workers
• Your business Organisational Chart
• Work Health & Safety Procedures
• A tour or walk of your business identifying all facilities
• Emergency Muster Point
• Detail all safe work practices that are relevant to the worker/s position and responsibilities
• Consult worker/s on how to access Work Health and Safety (WHS) information

What information should be provided at a Workplace Induction?

It is recommended the following information be provided in your induction processes:

• Hazards and Risks specific to the workplace
• Control Measures for all identified Risks in the workplace
• Site Specific Rules that must be complied with i.e. Wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Safety Documents, Policies and Plans specific to the workplace
• Who to report Incidents and Hazards to and how to report them
• Incident, Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
• Site Map including Entries and Exits, Loading and Unloading areas, location of Facilities, First Aid and Security requirements.
• Emergency Contact Numbers and Emergency Personal i.e. First Aid Officers and Fire Warden

Conclusion

If you’re looking for assistance with WHS/OH&S requirements specific to your industry, please contact WHS Consulting Hunter for advice on how to incorporate safety management into your business operations.