Why are WHS Inductions Important?

Most workplaces should have some type of workplace induction. It doesn’t need to be a long or difficult process, but it should familiarise the new worker with the workplace and ensure hazards and safety controls are communicated. WHS inductions can assist with:

You can download our free Site Specific Induction Template.

This is a template only and it should be customised for the workplace to ensure that all legal requirements have been met. This is a very simple one-page induction. Companies with significant risk profiles and large numbers of workers will likely need a much longer and in-depth induction.

Keep reading to discover more about WHS inductions.

What are WHS Inductions?

A WHS Induction is an orientation for new workers that includes information about workplace safety, as well as general information about the company’s organization and culture. Inductions are usually completed at the start of employment, ideally before the new worker starts work in the business. Inductions can be broken down into several key types:

General Company Inductions

General company inductions provide new employees with an overview of the organization’s policies, culture, and procedures. They typically cover topics such as:

• Company history,
• Values,
• Health and safety protocols, and
• Employee benefits.

This induction helps new hires understand the broader context of their role within the company.

Site-Specific Inductions

Site-specific inductions focus on the unique aspects of a particular workplace location or site. These inductions address specific safety hazards, emergency procedures, and site rules relevant to that location. They may also include:

• Entry requirements: E.g. construction white cards
• Site policies and procedures: E.g. obey all signage at all times
• Hazardous areas and no-go zones: E.g. plant operating areas and slew zones
• Regulatory requirements and any relevant codes of practice: E.g. SWMS for high-risk construction work and Plant Code of Practice
• Risk management procedures: E.g. permit systems, SLAMs, JHAs and SWMS
• Site specific safety rules and PPE requirements: E.g. hard hats at all times
• Location of emergency equipment and muster point: E.g. fire extinguishers and emergency evacuation point
• Location of welfare facilities: E.g. drinking water and toilets

Task-Specific Inductions

Task-specific inductions are tailored to the particular tasks or roles an employee will be performing. These inductions provide detailed instructions on how to safely and effectively carry out specific job functions, including the use of equipment and adherence to safety standards. They aim to ensure that employees are competent and confident in performing their assigned tasks.

Who Can Conduct WHS Inductions?

There is no rule as to who can or can not conduct a WHS Induction. In general, the person conducting the induction should be familiar with the company, the worksite and the safety hazards and controls relevant to the workplace. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a WHS advisor or WHS expert. It can be conduct by the business owner, supervisor or other competent person within the organisation.

Other Advantages of WHS Inductions

A well-run WHS Induction program is a core component of any WHS Management System. Some industries, like construction, legally require WHS Inductions to be performed. The Construction Work Code of Practice states that a workplace specific (or site specific) induction should conducted by a PCBU who has management or control at the workplace or by the principal contractor for the construction project.

For most industries, there is no explicit legal requirement to conduct inductions. However, a well-run WHS Induction will likely have the following advantages:

• WHS Awareness: Ensuring new workers are aware of potential hazards and safety controls.
• Legal Compliance: Helping meet legislative requirements, including WHS Act Section 19(3)(f) Duty to Provide Information, Instruction and Training.
• Workplace Familiarization: Ensuring new workers are familiar with the workplace, including welfare facilities and hazardous areas.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring new workers are aware of emergency response procedures, including emergency equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers and first aid kits) as well as emergency muster points and fire wardens.
• Incident and Near Miss Reporting: Ensuring new workers are aware of the requirement to report all incidents and near misses.
• Bullying and Harassment: Ensuring workers are aware of a zero-tolerance policy to bullying and harassment.
• Productivity: Reducing the likelihood of accidents, leading to fewer disruptions and higher productivity.

While it’s difficult to put a dollar value on the benefits of WHS inductions, it’s clear they are a worthwhile investment for companies. WHS inductions are also important for employee engagement – when new employees are given a safety induction, they are welcomed into the organization and given in a glimpse into the organization’s culture. They are being given the resources and knowledge they need to do their jobs safely and productively.

Workplace Inductions to Assist Emergency Response

No matter the industry, all businesses can benefit from safety inductions in reducing incidents and injuries. With an effective WHS Induction, many incidents can be prevented. For example, a worker might receive respiratory damage from breathing in a chemical simply because they don’t know where the PPE is stored.

Additionally, if a workplace incident does occur, a properly conducted WHS Induction would have provided staff with the information and training they need to respond effectively, for example:

• Evacuation Plans
• Emergency Response Procedures
• Location of Emergency Equipment:
  • Spill Kits
  • Fire Extinguishers, and
  • First Aid Equipment
• Who to Contact During an Emergency

For these reasons and many more, WHS Inductions are beneficial for all kinds of workers.

FAQs

Who needs to attend a WHS induction?

All new employees, contractors, and visitors who will be working on-site are required to attend a WHS induction.

How long does a WHS induction take?

The duration of a WHS induction can vary depending on the complexity of the workplace and the specific requirements. It can range from a brief 30-minute session to a more comprehensive half-day program or longer.

How often should WHS inductions be conducted?

WHS inductions should be conducted for all new employees and whenever there are significant changes to the workplace or safety procedures. Regular refresher courses are also recommended to keep safety knowledge up-to-date.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of WHS inductions dates back to the early 1900s? During the Industrial Revolution, as factories and machinery became more prevalent, workplace accidents were alarmingly common. In response, companies began to implement formal WHS Inductions to educate workers about potential hazards and safe practices. One of the earliest recorded WHS inductions was conducted by the DuPont Company in the 1910s, which significantly reduced workplace injuries and set a precedent for modern safety protocols.

Safety inductions have since evolved to become a standard practice across various industries, ensuring that employees are well-informed and prepared to work safely from day one.

Articles and Further Reading

• Free Visitor Induction Template (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/visitor-induction-template/>
• The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
• Safety induction (Safe Work NSW) <https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-starts-here/safety-support/training-and-orienting-workers/safety-induction>