Induction
An induction is the structured introduction of a worker (or contractor) to a workplace before they start work: site rules, emergency procedures, hazards, PPE, supervisory chain, sign-on. Induction is a precondition for being allowed to work on most managed sites.
Legal context
Inductions exist because the model WHS Act (s47 consultation, s19 primary duty) requires a PCBU to give workers information, instruction, training and supervision sufficient to protect them from harm. The induction is the upfront delivery of that information — site-specific hazards, emergency-response arrangements, first-aid locations, exclusion zones, PPE rules, the supervisor chain, and how to report a hazard or incident. Inductions are typically tiered: general workplace induction, site-specific induction (e.g. a construction project), and task-specific induction (a particular plant item). Contractor inductions are increasingly delivered online via tools like RAE IQ's induction module so the record is digital, verifiable, and tied to the worker before they arrive.
Where this shows up in RAE IQ
Related terms
Competency
Competency is verified ability to do a task safely — typically demonstrated through training (qualification or licence) plus practical assessment. Competency is the evidence behind "trained and assessed", a phrase that recurs through WHS regulations.
Training matrix
A training matrix is the cross-tabulation of workers (rows) against required training and competencies (columns), with completion dates, expiry dates and gap status in the cells. It is the operational evidence behind "trained and assessed".
Contractor prequalification
Contractor prequalification is the pre-engagement check that a contractor has the licences, insurances, certifications, training and safety record required by the principal. It is the upstream control on s46 consultation, cooperation and coordination duties between PCBUs sharing a site.
Platform pillars
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47 WHS and HSWA terms with legal context, FAQs and regulator references.