You are required by law to properly train your staff, beginning with a thorough WHS induction program. Each program should include six critical areas, for an all-encompassing induction that instils both the essential training as well as the culture of work safety.

The six critical areas include:

1. Commencement of induction training

Induction training for all new personnel should be conducted within one week of the employee commencing work. Ensuring the WHS induction is carried out within the required time is a crucial responsibility that falls to the new employee’s manager.

Wherever possible, the WHS induction should be conducted as part of the new employee’s general site induction.

2. Scope of WHS Induction

WHS induction training must cover at least the following:

• WHS Awareness Training
• Task-specific training, as required for the person's work
• Induction in relation to the specific hazards the person may be exposed to
• Introductory training for the procedures which the person would need to use during the course of his/her work
• Site and area rules

The WHS induction training packages should be developed and prepared by the WHS Manager or an external consultant and delivered by line managers or special trainers, as applicable depending on the specific workplace and requirements.

3. Levels of WHS Induction

WHS induction should be conducted at various levels, as appropriate for each new employee, as follows:

• Induction to the company
• Induction to the site
• Induction to the department or section
• Induction to the specific position, tasks and working environment

4. Qualifications of Trainers

Personnel in charge of conducting induction training should be suitably trained, competent, and, where required, accredited by the relevant authority to fulfil legal obligations and WHS regulations.

5. Induction of Contractors

Induction of Contractors is discussed in a separate guide “Contractor Management”.

6. Records

Records of induction training, including the trainer’s name, dates and signature of trainee must be completed and be kept on record in specific employee personal files.

General advice warning

The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own situation and requirements before making any decisions.