Site Management

Site Induction Template

Site inductions are how every UK construction worker learns the specific risks and arrangements for the site they are working on. Mandatory under CDM 2015 for the Principal Contractor to deliver, and a key compliance check during HSE inspections. A good site induction takes 15-30 minutes and documents the worker's understanding before they start work.

What is a site induction template?

A documented session that covers: site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, welfare arrangements, rules and PPE requirements, supervision arrangements, and the worker's signature acknowledging receipt of the information. Site inductions happen on the worker's first day on site and are repeated when site arrangements change significantly.

Who needs one?

The Principal Contractor must induct every worker on site, including their own employees, subcontractors' workers, agency workers, and visitors. On a single-contractor project, the contractor takes on this duty.

UK legal basis

  • SSConstruction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • SSHealth and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
  • SSManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Key sections to include

1. Worker details
Name, employer, trade, CSCS card type and number, supervisor name, contact number
2. Site overview
Location, project type, programme, key parties, supervisor names
3. Site-specific hazards
What's unusual about this site - asbestos, contaminated land, vulnerable neighbours, traffic management
4. Emergency procedures
Fire alarm, assembly point, first aid, near-miss reporting
5. Welfare arrangements
Toilets, drying room, mess area, drinking water
6. Site rules
PPE requirements, smoking, vehicles, hot works permits, work permits
7. Document registers
Where the asbestos register, scaffolding inspection log, RAMS folder are kept
8. Worker acknowledgement
Worker's signature confirming understanding and acceptance of the rules
9. Inductor details
Name and signature of the person delivering the induction, date and time

Worked example

Example site induction sequence: (1) Welcome and project overview - 2 min; (2) Site-specific hazards (asbestos register, traffic management plan, neighbour considerations) - 5 min; (3) Emergency procedures (fire alarm sound, assembly point, first aiders) - 5 min; (4) Site rules and PPE - 5 min; (5) Worker questions - 3 min; (6) Sign-off and walk to work area - 5 min. Total: 25 minutes.

Common mistakes

  • !Generic inductions that don't mention site-specific hazards
  • !No worker signature collected - induction can't be evidenced
  • !Inductions lasting under 5 minutes - clearly not covering the required content
  • !Not refreshing inductions when site conditions change significantly
  • !Subcontractor workers arriving and starting work before induction

FAQ

How long should a site induction last?+

15-30 minutes typically. Long enough to cover the topics in genuine detail, short enough to maintain attention.

Who delivers the site induction?+

Usually the site supervisor or H&S coordinator. Whoever is competent to answer questions about the specific site.

Do I need to re-induct workers regularly?+

Re-induction is required when site arrangements change significantly. Annual re-inductions are good practice on long-running projects.

Can I induct multiple workers at once?+

Yes - groups of 5-10 workers is common. Larger groups reduce engagement and Q+A quality.

What records must be kept?+

Worker name, employer, induction date, name of inductor, worker signature acknowledging the content. Most main contractors check these during audits.

Get a customised site induction template in 30 seconds

Complys generates trade-specific, project-specific site induction templates with your branding, references current UK legislation, and exports as PDF for sharing with main contractors. 90-day free trial.