Site Management · Mandatory · Construction
Site Induction Record
The Site Induction Record documents that every worker has received a comprehensive induction before commencing work on site, covering site rules, emergency procedures, hazard awareness, and welfare arrangements. Under CDM 2015 Regulation 13, the principal contractor must ensure that no person works on site unless they have received suitable induction training. Each induction is individually signed and dated.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. CDM 2015 Reg 13 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
1. The Site Induction — First Line of Safety on Site
The site induction is the primary mechanism for the PC to fulfil CDM 2015 Reg 13's induction requirement. It is the moment every worker — regardless of experience — receives site-specific information for this particular project, with its particular hazards and controls. An experienced tradesperson still needs a site induction because this site is different from every other.
No worker should begin work before completing the site induction — including very experienced workers
A common failure is allowing experienced workers to skip (‘He was here last week’). If conditions have changed since the last visit, a returning worker does not have current information. The induction record provides the evidence trail. A worker involved in an incident with no induction record means the PC faces enforcement action.
2. What to Document
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Worker details | Full name, company, trade/role, CSCS card number and expiry. |
| Induction date/time | Date and time conducted. |
| Inducting officer | Name and signature of person conducting. |
| Topics covered | Checklist: site layout, emergency procedure, site rules, specific hazards, welfare, first aid, PTW. |
| Language | Language induction conducted in. Interpreter used (yes/no, name). |
| CSCS check | Card number, type, expiry — verified. |
| Worker signature | Confirms received and understood. |
| Follow-up actions | Gaps in competence identified; additional training required; restrictions imposed. |
3. Common Mistakes
Group inductions where individuals sign without receiving information
In large groups, workers at the back may not hear, late arrivals miss content, and non-English speakers may sign without understanding.
Identical records for every worker with no site-specific content
If the scaffolder and groundworker records are identical, neither received trade-specific hazard information.
Not verifying CSCS card currency
The induction is the opportunity to check. An expired card, wrong trade card, or absent card should be recorded and the employer notified.
Not conducting follow-up when site conditions change
Asbestos discovered, a major scaffold creating new routes, new PTW types introduced — a supplementary briefing may be required.
Allowing subcontractors to conduct their own site-specific inductions
The PC's site induction covering rules, emergency procedure, muster point, welfare, access, and hazards must be provided by the PC or under PC supervision. The PC remains responsible.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an induction take?▾
There is no prescribed minimum or maximum. It should take as long as needed. A complex project may require 60-90 minutes. A smaller project may require 20-30 minutes. The key question is adequacy, not duration.
What is the CSCS card scheme and is it mandatory?▾
CSCS provides a card system confirming training and qualifications. It is not a statutory requirement. It is an industry standard — many PCs and clients require it contractually. The induction should verify compliance with the specific project's CSCS requirements.
Does every repeat visitor need a full induction?▾
The induction is triggered by beginning construction work. A regular worker with a full induction does not need a repeat on every visit unless conditions have changed significantly. Casual visitors receive a visitor induction.
What if a worker refuses the induction?▾
The worker must not be permitted to begin work. The induction is a CDM requirement. If there is persistent refusal, the subcontractor employer must be notified and the worker removed. This should be documented in the site diary.
Generate your Site Induction Record on Construction Suite
Construction Suite walks you through every required section with a guided Q&A — built to CDM 2015 Reg 13 — and generates a professionally formatted document in minutes.
Get started freeThis guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, regulations change and individual project circumstances vary. Construction Suite is a trading name of Xzist Digital Ltd, registered in England and Wales.