An induction establishes your company’s culture and is frequently the first point of contact in matters of health and safety. But it needs to be done properly for it to work, writes Safewise consultant Kaye Byrne.

There are various forms of inductions, including those for clients, sites, health and safety, and familiarisation with machinery and plants.

Workers are required to cover each of these as needed. An office worker won’t require as much information as one who operates heavy equipment, drives a truck, or travels from place to place. Dividing the induction into the following areas could be helpful: equipment, health and safety, locations, customers, and so forth.

Any training required for an employee to perform a job safely is called an induction. Combining some of it with your organisation’s requirements as well as legislation makes it easier and ensures that the work is completed effectively.

Workers should, at the very least, be provided with a basic knowledge of health and safety so they can recognise risks and hazards. They need to be aware of what to do in an emergency or accident. Additionally, they ought to be educated on their rights and obligations as employees as well as how to take part in health and safety.

How should an induction be considered?

Giving people too much information at once will only cause information overload, so it is preferable to divide it up into manageable chunks. Make use of as many illustrations and examples as you can. Give the employee refresher training so you can be sure they have understood the material and have a good chance of remembering it.

The key is to work at a pace that is comfortable for the individual worker. Don’t give them a tonne of paper or digital documents to read and sign to indicate they have understood what they just read. It is the same as accepting the terms and conditions of purchasing a new laptop.

Training and induction documentation is crucial. While a questionnaire is a great tool, good training is approved by both the employee and the trainee.

Why should you induct a worker?

The first day of work should include a health and safety induction for employees. Refresher training should ideally be held two or three weeks later. Employees are inundated with information in the initial days of work, and the average person retains only 20% of what they are told.

Your organisation’s culture is established during your induction. Take your time to ensure the employee feels free to ask questions, provide a buddy for as long as needed, and establish a secure and effective work environment.