Site induction checklist for construction sites
The difference between the White Card and a site-specific induction, who must give it, what to cover, and the records to keep – with sources from Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe QLD.
White Card vs site-specific induction
A general construction induction (the White Card) is required before anyone does construction work. It doesn't replace a site-specific induction, which covers the hazards, rules and procedures of the particular site.
In Queensland, for example, WorkSafe says a person must have a site-specific induction before starting construction work, except on housing construction. The principal contractor must make sure workers know the WHS management plan and the site rules. Anyone entering an area where construction work is happening must have been inducted, or be accompanied by someone who has. Other states have similar rules, so check your regulator.
Checklist: what to cover
- Who's who: principal contractor, supervisor, first aiders and how to reach them
- Site layout: access, parking, loading zones, amenities and no-go areas
- Emergency procedures: alarms, evacuation route, assembly point and emergency contacts
- First aid: kit locations and how to report an injury
- Site rules, hours and security
- Required PPE and when to wear it
- The hazards on this site and the controls in place, such as heights, plant, traffic, services, hazardous chemicals, silica and noise
- Traffic management and mobile plant (exclusion zones, spotters)
- SWMS for high-risk construction work: where they are, and that work follows them
- Permits: hot work, confined space, excavation and isolation
- How to report hazards, incidents and near misses
- Consultation arrangements, such as toolbox talks and the HSR
- Licences and tickets sighted (White Card, HRW licences, trade licences)
- Signed declaration and date
Records
Keep a record of who was inducted and the date. WorkSafe QLD says principal contractors should keep these records and must keep a copy of the WHS management plan for the duration of the work. Re-induct people when site conditions change.
Sources
- Safe Work Australia – Workplace induction for construction workplaces (information sheet)
- Safe Work Australia – Provide induction and workplace safety training for new workers
- WorkSafe Queensland – Site specific induction
- WorkSafe ACT – Induction (building and construction)
Related guides
- Toolbox talk topics for trades and fabrication
- White Card in Queensland: what you need to know
- SWMS for high risk construction work, explained
General information only, summarised from the official sources above as at the review date. It isn't legal, tax, WHS or engineering advice. Rules change and your situation may differ, so check the source or ask a professional.