Induction training: a checklist for new employees

Induction training is how a new employee learns the job, the workplace and — above all — how to stay safe in it. A good induction is short on day one, focused on safety, and spread over the first weeks.

Why induction matters

New workers are hurt far more often than experienced ones, mostly in their first weeks: they do not yet know the hazards, the rules or who to ask. Research from Canada's Institute for Work & Health found workers in their first month are more than three times as likely to have a lost-time injury as those with over a year on the job. A clear induction also cuts early resignations and gets people productive sooner.

Induction checklist

Day one — safety first

Emergency exits, alarm sound and assembly point
Fire extinguishers, first aid, eye wash and AED locations
Main hazards of the area and the PPE to wear
How to report injuries, near misses and hazards
The right to stop unsafe work and to ask questions
Which tasks need training before the person may do them
Supervisor and a named buddy

Day one — the basics

Working hours, breaks, timekeeping
Where things are: lockers, toilets, canteen, prayer room
Uniform and personal hygiene rules
Who to call if late or sick
Key policies: conduct, data, harassment

First week

Task training for each job, signed off one by one
Standard operating procedures for the role
Toolbox talks and quality standards
Shadowing an experienced worker
End-of-week check-in with the supervisor

First month

Remaining training and refreshers
Feedback on the induction — what was confusing?
End-of-month review and sign-off of the induction record

Use our first-day safety orientation talk — with a quiz and a printable sign-off sheet — for the day-one safety items.

How to make induction consistent

Same message every time. When each supervisor gives their own version, things get missed. A short induction video makes sure every new starter hears the same thing.
In their language. Many frontline teams work in several languages. Induction in the worker's own language is understood the first time.
Check understanding. A few quiz questions after each part show what was understood — not only who attended.
Keep a record. A signed induction record, with date and topics, is your proof for audits, clients and inspectors.
Keep the walk-around. Video supports the site tour and hands-on training; it does not replace them.

Questions

What is induction training?

The training a new employee gets when they join: who the company is, the site rules, health and safety, their role, and the people and systems they will work with. In the US it is often called onboarding or new-hire orientation.

What should be included in an induction?

Health and safety (exits, alarms, first aid, hazards, PPE, reporting), site rules and policies, the job itself and who to ask, practical facilities, and a plan for the first weeks. See the checklist on this page.

How long should induction training take?

The vital safety items on day one, usually in one to two hours, then the rest spread over the first week or month. People forget most of a long one-day induction.

Is induction training a legal requirement?

In many countries, yes for health and safety. For example, in the UK the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require health and safety training when people are recruited, and in the US many OSHA standards require training when a worker is first assigned. Check the rules for your country and industry.

Can induction be done online or by video?

Yes, for the parts that are the same for everyone — company, rules, safety basics — as long as you check understanding and keep a record. Keep the site walk-around and hands-on task training in person.