Site induction
The briefing every person receives before first working on a site: the site rules, hazards, emergency arrangements, welfare and who is in charge.
CDM 2015 requires the principal contractor to ensure that every worker has a suitable site induction before they start. It covers the site-specific things a competent tradesperson cannot know from experience alone: the layout, the hazards of this site and its neighbours, the traffic management, the permits in force, the fire and first-aid arrangements, the welfare, the reporting lines, the rules on PPE, phones and smoking, and how to raise a concern. It is recorded, with the inductee's signature and the date.
The induction is site-specific by definition; a company induction covers the employer's general rules and is a separate thing. On a small site run by a small contractor, the induction is often ten minutes with the site manager and a sheet; that is fine, provided it covers the site and is recorded. On larger sites it is a presentation, a test and a sticker for the hard hat. Either way, no induction, no start, and the record is checked after any incident.
Where it comes from
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 reg.13(4)(a): the principal contractor must ensure a suitable site induction is provided.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 reg.10 and reg.13.
Questions people ask
Do visitors need an induction?
Anyone going beyond the site office into the working area needs to know the hazards, the rules and the emergency arrangements. A visitor induction is shorter and usually comes with an escort, but it is still recorded.
Does an induction expire?
When the site changes significantly, or after a long absence, re-induct. Many sites re-induct anyone away for more than a few weeks.
Site induction, handled on a phone
SiteLynx puts the RAMS, permits, inspections, audits, plant checks and records behind every term in this glossary on the crew's phones, signed on site, with a PDF at the end. 14 days free, no card.
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