What to include in a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Induction Checklist

A Work Health and Safety Induction is like strong coffee on a Monday morning – there is no work happening until you’ve had it. Particularly in high risk environments.

Job and Workplace Specific Inductions

What’s covered in a WHS induction (also known as Occupational Health and Safety OHS) induction will vary depending on the type of work and industry. In addition to training participants in your company’s safety policies and procedures, the WHS induction is a good opportunity to check that everything required by law is in place eg. licences required to perform certain types of work.

Safety laws around the country are different, so it is important to have a thorough understanding of the requirements of a particular state.

To ensure nothing is missed, and all of your safety bases are covered, create a checklist like the one below to guide the process.

Sample Work Health and Safety Induction Checklist

Safety Items Issued

Employee safety manual
Site access security pass
Lock-out danger tag

Medical
Pre-employment check

Personal Protective Equipment Issued
Hearing protection
Hat and Sunscreen
Sunsafe uniform
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Safety footwear
High visibility vest
Dust mask
Welding hood
Gloves

Health and Safety Framework Overview
Work Health and Safety Policy
Work Health and Safety System
Health and Safety Committee

Introduction to Health and Safety Staff
Health & Safety Representative
First Aid Officer
Fire/Emergency Warden

Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
Smoke-free Workplace
Alcohol and other drugs
Prevention of workplace bullying and harassment
Workplace rehabilitation
Risk assessment procedure
Emergency plan including assembly points, exits and procedures
Provision of first Aid
Code blue (life threatening medical emergency)
Use and control of hazardous substances
Working at heights procedures
Working in confined spaces procedures
Working with noise procedures
Maintenance of portable electrical equipment
Isolation and lockout procedures
Prescribed occupations requirements
Workstation ergonomics
Security
Safe operation of motor vehicles policy
Other general rules and housekeeping
Grievance procedures

Hazard Specific Safety Training
Safe work methods for high risk tasks
Use of personal protective equipment
Manual handling techniques
Isolation of machinery, plant and equipment
Use of fire equipment

Health and Safety Reporting Requirements
Risk assessments
Accident and incident reports
Non-conformance reports
Notification of communicable diseases
Hazard reporting
Workers compensation claims

Location of Facilities and Equipment
Fire extinguishers, hoses and blankets
First aid facilities – first aid kit and room
Washing and toilet facilities
Kitchen
Eye wash
Emergency shower

Licences and Qualifications (may differ by state)
Asbestos demolition licence
Crane and Hoists
Demolition work
Forklift
General construction card
Pressure equipment
Rigger and dogger
Scaffolding
Driving plant on the road
Working at heights
Working in confined spaces
Transport explosives and dangerous goods