Site induction process for subcontractors
A site induction is the first safety conversation a worker has on a new site, and the first compliance record a head contractor checks. Both parts matter.
What a site induction has to cover
Site-specific hazards and controls, emergency procedures and assembly points, first aid and site contacts, traffic and pedestrian routes, amenities, PPE requirements, the site rules the head contractor enforces, and how to report a hazard or incident. Generic company induction content belongs in company onboarding; the site induction is about this site.
Before the first shift
Complete the induction before the worker starts, not at lunchtime on day one. Confirm the worker's tickets and licences match the work, that their general construction induction card is current where required, and that any client-specific online induction has been completed. Then record it against the person and the project.
What to record
Worker, project, date, induction content or version, who delivered it, signature or digital sign-off, and any competency evidence collected. If the induction includes a practical walk-around, note it. A record that says only "inducted" is difficult to defend and useless for the next project.
Re-induction triggers
New site, significant change in site conditions or layout, new high-risk work, after an incident, or when a worker has been away long enough that the site has changed. Client requirements sometimes set a refresher interval; follow the stricter of the two.
Managing inductions across multiple clients
A subcontractor's crew may hold inductions for five head contractors, each with its own portal, content and expiry. Keep your own record of what each worker holds, with dates, so you can answer a gate query without hunting through five systems. SubbieSure holds onboarding and inductions in the personnel record next to licences and competencies.
Digital versus face-to-face induction
Online induction is efficient for site rules and paperwork, but it does not replace walking the site with a new worker. The most effective pattern is short online content before arrival, then a face-to-face walk-around with sign-off recorded against the project. SubbieSure records the sign-off; the walk still has to happen.
Does an induction make a worker competent?
No. An induction informs a worker about the site. Competence comes from training, experience and supervision, and the duty to provide a safe system of work does not transfer to a signed form. Use the induction as one control among several.
Check the product details
Related reading: construction safety software, skills matrix for construction, toolbox talk app, subcontractor compliance checklist, SWMS app.
This page is published by SubbieSure and describes our own product, not an independent review or a ranking of vendors. It is general information, not legal or WHS advice. Check requirements for your work, contract and jurisdiction.
Questions about your requirements? Book a demo or email hello@subbiesure.com.