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Contractor induction checklist
A contractor induction is the briefing a contractor completes before starting work on your site: the risks, the rules and what to do in an emergency — with a record that they did it. Here is a checklist to build your induction for contractors from.
Why induct contractors
Contractors are often unfamiliar with your site and its hazards. Inducting them — and recording it — is part of meeting your duty to keep everyone on site safe, and it protects both parties if something goes wrong.
What to cover
- Site rules: PPE, speed limits, exclusion zones, one-way systems.
- Key hazards specific to the site (plant, forklifts, chemicals, working at height).
- Emergency procedures: alarms, exits, assembly points, first aid.
- Sign-in / sign-out expectations and how to be accounted for.
- Permits to work and any high-risk activity approvals.
- Who their site contact is and how to reach them.
What to check before access
- Relevant competencies, tickets or licences are current.
- Insurance / method statements where required.
- The induction has been read and acknowledged.
Running contractor inductions
- Send the induction before the visit, so the contractor completes it at home rather than at the gate.
- Keep it short: the site-specific risks and rules, not a general safety course.
- Finish with a few questions, so acknowledgement means understanding and not a ticked box.
- Tie it to sign-in, so a contractor who has not completed it cannot sign in.
- Set an expiry, and re-induct when it lapses or the site rules change.
Keep the record
Store the acknowledgement and any documents against the person, so a repeat visit does not mean repeating the whole induction, and so you can show an auditor the contractor was inducted and competent.
Frequently asked questions
What is a contractor induction?▾
A site-specific briefing a contractor completes before starting work: the hazards, site rules, emergency procedures and who to report to, with a signed or recorded acknowledgement that they understood it.
How often should contractors be re-inducted?▾
A common approach is a full induction on first access, with a shorter refresh periodically or when site rules change. Store the record so returning contractors are not re-inducted unnecessarily.
Can EntryWatch gate access on an induction?▾
Yes. Set required documents and competencies per site and visitor type; a contractor cannot complete sign-in until they are satisfied, and completions carry to their next visit.
Related guides
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Create your free organisationThis guide is general information, not legal advice. Check your own obligations and, where needed, take professional advice.