How to run an effective employee induction
Set new employees up for success with a comprehensive induction that covers WHS requirements, employment essentials, and role-specific training.
Written by
Georgia Morgan
General information only – not legal advice
This guide provides general information about employee inductions in Australia. WHS requirements vary by state and industry. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
WHS induction checklist
WHS Rights and Duties
- Explain duties under WHS Act
- Role of WHS representatives
- How to report hazards
- Right to cease unsafe work
Emergency Procedures
- Evacuation routes and assembly points
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Emergency contacts and wardens
- Medical emergency procedures
Hazard Identification
- Workplace-specific hazards
- Control measures in place
- PPE requirements
- Incident reporting process
Personal Safety
- Manual handling procedures
- Ergonomic workstation setup
- Fatigue management
- Psychosocial hazard awareness
Step-by-Step induction guide
Follow these steps to deliver a comprehensive employee induction
Prepare before day one
Set up everything the new employee needs before they arrive to ensure a smooth first day.
Key items:
- Prepare workstation, equipment, and system access
- Create employee profile in payroll and rostering systems
- Collect TFN declaration, super choice, and bank details forms
- Verify right to work documentation (passport, visa)
Complete WHS induction
Conduct mandatory workplace health and safety training as required by law.
Key items:
- Explain WHS policies and employee responsibilities
- Identify workplace hazards and control measures
- Show emergency exits, first aid, and assembly points
- Introduce fire wardens and first aid officers
Cover employment essentials
Walk through the employment relationship, pay, and conditions.
Key items:
- Review employment contract and Fair Work Information Statement
- Explain pay rates, penalty rates, and pay cycles
- Clarify hours of work and rostering arrangements
- Discuss leave entitlements and how to request leave
Introduce workplace policies
Ensure the employee understands key policies and expectations.
Key items:
- Code of conduct and expected workplace behaviours
- Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
- Social media and communication guidelines
- Dress code and presentation standards
Set up systems and access
Train the employee on the systems they will use daily.
Key items:
- Rostering system login and how to view shifts
- Time and attendance clock-in procedures
- Communication tools (email, messaging, intranet)
- How to submit leave requests and availability
Schedule role-specific training
Provide the training needed to perform their specific job safely and effectively.
Key items:
- Job-specific procedures and standard operating instructions
- Equipment training and safe operation
- Customer service standards and expectations
- Buddy or mentor assignment for ongoing support
New employee documentation checklist
| Document | Required | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| TFN Declaration | Yes | Before first pay |
| Superannuation choice form | Yes | Within 28 days |
| Bank account details | Yes | Before first pay |
| Right to work evidence | Yes | Before start |
| Employment contract (signed) | Yes | Before start |
| Fair Work Information Statement | Yes | Day one |
| Emergency contact details | Yes | Day one |
| Policy acknowledgement form | Recommended | Within first week |
| WHS induction sign-off | Yes | Day one |
Sample first week schedule
Welcome and orientation
Meet team, workplace tour, WHS induction, paperwork completion
Systems and processes
System logins, rostering setup, policy review, basic role training
Role-specific training
Shadowing experienced staff, supervised tasks, initial feedback
Check-in
Manager catch-up, questions addressed, week 2 plan confirmed
Common induction mistakes
Information overload on day one
Employee overwhelmed, key information forgotten
Spread induction over the first week with focused sessions
Skipping WHS induction
Legal non-compliance, safety incidents, workers comp claims
Complete WHS induction before any work tasks begin
No system setup before arrival
Unproductive first day, poor first impression
Prepare all access and equipment before employee starts
Forgetting Fair Work Information Statement
Non-compliance with NES requirements
Include FWIS in day-one paperwork as a standard checklist item
NSW WHS regulation 2025 updates
The new WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW) commenced on 22 August 2025 with key changes affecting inductions:
- Psychosocial hazards (stress, bullying, excessive hours) must be covered in inductions
- Silica registers and lithium-ion storage rules may require induction updates
- Contractor induction packs should be reviewed and updated
Frequently asked questions
- A comprehensive induction should include: WHS induction covering hazards, emergency procedures, and safety responsibilities; employment documentation including TFN declaration, super choice, and signed contract; Fair Work Information Statement; workplace policies including code of conduct and anti-discrimination; system access and training; and role-specific training. WHS induction is a legal requirement—employees should not commence work tasks until this is completed.
- Yes. Under WHS legislation, employers must provide workers with information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary for them to work safely. This includes induction training that covers workplace hazards, emergency procedures, and how to report safety concerns. Failure to provide adequate WHS induction can result in penalties and increased liability if an incident occurs.
- The Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) is a document that employers must give to all new employees before or as soon as practicable after they start employment. It provides information about the National Employment Standards, modern awards, agreement-making, and where to get help with workplace issues. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the current version on their website.
Regulatory sources
Official resources for employee induction requirements:
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