When Do You Need A Construction Site Induction?

An induction is something you would usually expect to get when you start a new job. It's a safety briefing about your new workplace. And it tells you some of the important information you need to know.

Your work induction will introduce you to the workplace, the environment, the rules and requirements.

And it will usually happen just once - when you start the job.

So how is this different in construction? And when do you need an induction on a construction site?

Construction inductions are needed on every site

If you work in construction, you won't be expected to have an induction just when you start work with a new company or business. A construction induction is needed when you start work on any new site or project.

And it's not just a recommendation. Construction site inductions are a legal requirement.

That's right, every construction site you visit or work on should carry out an appropriate induction. And each new project you go to means a new induction.

Let's imagine in one month you work on 4 different projects. Even if they are all for the same employer, you'll need 4 inductions.

Why so many inductions?

If we look at the type of work and the kind of projects construction work involves, we can see why inductions in construction are extra important. So much so, that construction inductions are required by law.

Let's consider an office workplace.

If you work in an office, you are likely to be walking into the same, or very similar environment each day. The layout is static, you might even work at the same desk. Your colleagues and you will be doing the same type of work, and it's low-risk, in terms of the tools you use and the risks involved.

Now let's consider a construction site.

You could be working on a new build or refurbishment. You might be building something, or knocking it down. You are often working with different trades. No two sites have the same layout. You may have the site office in the building, or it could be a cabin at the entrance. You might be working on one floor of the building, or be working on the entire site. Other trades on the site could be excavating, using machinery, connecting services or removing asbestos.

In construction, every site is different. Even during the project, the site will change, and the hazards will change. What was right on your last project, might be wrong on this one.

Your last project might have used scaffold access but this one uses scissor lifts.

Your last project may have had asbestos removed but on this one, it remains undisturbed.

Your last project might not have involved other trades but this one does.

Your last project might have been a fit-out, and this one involves demolition.

Two projects can be worlds apart.

The work being carried out is different. The location is different. The team can be different. The first-aid arrangements may be different. The hazards are different. You get the idea - many things can and do change from project to project.

It's not just that things have changed, but also that those things could harm you and your team. So you need to be aware of what's changed, when, and how it affects you.

And construction work is high-risk.

If you don't know the site rules, what to avoid, or what to do in the event of an emergency, the consequences could be serious. You need to know how to get to the area you are working safely, and how to get out safely.

Where do you go if something goes wrong? Who do you report to? What safety measures do you need to take? Who can you ask for help if you need it? What tools can you use?

Find out what should be included in a construction site induction.

So construction site inductions are needed on every construction site. And not just on day one.

Construction inductions are needed for every person

You might be thinking, a construction site induction can be carried out on the first day of the project, and that's it done with.

But remember what we said:

A construction induction is needed when you start work on any new site or project.

The construction site induction is needed on day one of the project for those who start work on the first day. But it's likely that not everyone will be there on day one.

If someone arrives on site to start work on day 10 and has missed the induction on day 1, they still need a site induction.

That will often happen in construction. Different trades start at different times. Groundworkers will be needed before bricklayers who will be needed before plasterers and decorators.

And every worker will need an induction when they start.

(4) The principal contractor must ensure that—

1. a suitable site induction is provided;

Some contractors might not start work on the project for a couple of months after the project started, and they still need to be inducted.

So inductions need to be given on the first day of the project, but also every time someone new starts, even if they start on day 100 because day 100 of the project will be their first day.

Whenever someone new arrives, they must be given the information they need to stay safe.

Construction site inductions are so important you shouldn't just be giving them to workers but to anyone who comes onto your site - the client, engineers, designers etc. You should also consider if visitors need a construction site induction because the site hazards are a risk to anyone on the site, not just those working there.

And remember, it's the law to provide one. In the CDM regulations, both the principal contractor and contractors have legal duties when it comes to construction site inductions. Firstly, the principal contractor must make sure a suitable site induction is provided. And secondly, contractors must make sure the induction is provided if it hasn't been by the principal contractor (for example on one-contractor projects where there is no principal contractor).

No matter who you are, if you are working on a construction site, make sure you have been inducted.

Use the construction site induction form to carry out and keep a record of your construction site induction. Or create your induction course with our construction site induction template on the Training Plan.