Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What an induction register is
An induction register is the record that everyone who works on a site has received the site induction — the safety rules, hazards, emergency arrangements and local procedures — before they start. It covers new starters, contractors and, often, returning workers after a long absence.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what the induction covers and how completion is recorded.
Purpose
- Show that each person was inducted before starting work.
- Record the induction content and version they received.
- Link induction to site access and the permit process.
- Support refresher inductions after changes or absences.
Who maintains it
- A supervisor, site manager or HR records completed inductions.
- The person delivering the induction confirms it took place.
- Inductees acknowledge they received and understood it.
- The employer decides the content and the recording process.
When it is used
- Before a new worker or contractor starts on site.
- When site rules, hazards or arrangements change.
- When someone returns after a long absence.
- When checking who is cleared to be on site.
Typical fields
- Name, company and role of the person inducted.
- Date, induction version or content covered and who delivered it.
- Acknowledgement or signature of the inductee.
- Any site-specific points or restrictions.
- Refresher or expiry date where used.
- Example columns only — adapt to your induction and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Letting people start work before induction is recorded.
- Not noting which version of the induction was given.
- Treating induction as a one-off, with no refresher after changes.
- Recording attendance but not that the content was understood.
Document workflow
An induction register usually comes before access: induction is delivered and recorded here, the worker or contractor then signs in via the relevant register, and a permit may follow for specific work. It links to the wider training register and the onboarding checklist.
See the related documents below for what is commonly required before and completed after an induction entry.
Retention (high level)
Induction records hold personal data and are generally kept for as long as the person works on site and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Induction records are often kept in a system and exported to PDF for audits or to confirm clearance to work. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make it official or prove competence or compliance.
Employer checklist
- Induct everyone before they start work and record it.
- Note the induction version so you know what was covered.
- Refresh induction after significant changes or long absences.
- Link the register to access, permits and training records.
Worker notes
- Complete the induction before starting and ask about anything unclear.
- Acknowledge it honestly — it confirms you received the information.
- Expect a refresher if the site or rules change significantly.
Country considerations
Induction expectations vary by country, sector and site, and any personal data recorded is subject to data-protection rules that differ, with a different official authority in each. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for inducting people before they work on site and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make a workplace compliant, does not prove competence and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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