A site induction checklist for agency workers
Published 2026-10-21
In short
A short, consistent induction keeps agency workers safe and productive from the first shift. Cover emergencies, site-specific hazards, chemicals and PPE before any work starts. Show welfare facilities, name who to report to, and record that the induction was done.
Fire and first-aid arrangements
Every induction should start with emergencies: the fire alarm sound, the nearest exits, the assembly point and how to call for help. Show the worker the route rather than just describing it.
Explain how first aid works on your site and who the first aiders are. Agency workers are new to the building and need this information before anything else.
- Alarm sound, exits and assembly point
- Who the first aiders are
- How to raise the alarm
Hazards specific to your site
Point out the hazards that are particular to your site: vehicle routes, wet areas, hot surfaces, steps or restricted rooms. A short walk-round shows these far better than a written list.
Make clear which areas the worker must not enter. A worker who knows where not to go is protected, and so is your operation.
If the hazards change during the day, for example when deliveries arrive or a floor is being scrubbed, explain how the worker will know. A sign, a radio call or a word from the supervisor all work, as long as everyone uses the same one.
- Vehicle routes and wet areas
- Restricted and off-limits rooms
- A short walk-round of the work area
Chemicals and safety data sheets
Show the worker which cleaning chemicals they will use, how they are stored and where the safety data sheets are kept. If your site follows COSHH assessments, explain the main points for the products in use.
Explain what to do if a chemical is spilled or gets on skin or in eyes, and never ask a worker to mix products unless your procedure says how.
- Chemicals in use and where they are stored
- Where the safety data sheets are kept
- What to do after a spill or contact
PPE: who provides it
Say what PPE the role requires, such as gloves, safety boots or high-visibility clothing, and who provides it. Agree this before the first shift, so the worker does not arrive without the right equipment.
Show how and where PPE is replaced if it is damaged or runs out. Gloves in particular run out quickly on cleaning shifts.
Explain what happens if a worker arrives without the PPE your site requires. Agreeing this in advance avoids an awkward choice on the morning between sending the worker home and letting them start unprotected.
- PPE required for the role
- Who provides each item
- Where replacements are kept
Breaks and welfare facilities
Show where the toilets, the break area and drinking water are, and explain when breaks are taken. On shift-based sites, welfare areas may be shared with other teams.
Tell the worker where they can leave a coat and bag safely, and whether lockers are available. Small details like this make a first shift much easier.
- Toilets, break area and water
- When breaks are taken
- Where to leave belongings
Who to report to, and recording the induction
Name the person the worker reports to on each shift, and how to reach them. Explain how to report a hazard, an accident or a near miss.
Record that the induction took place, with the date and the topics covered. A simple signed sheet is enough and shows that each worker was briefed.
- A named person for each shift
- How to report hazards and accidents
- A signed record of the induction
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Questions
How long should a site induction for agency workers take?
Most sites cover the essentials in fifteen to thirty minutes: emergencies, hazards, chemicals, PPE, welfare and reporting.
Who should give the induction?
A supervisor or manager who knows the site and is responsible for the area where the worker will be.
Do agency workers need an induction for every visit?
A full induction on the first shift, and a short refresher if the site or the hazards change or after a long gap.
How should the induction be recorded?
A simple sheet with the date, the topics covered and signatures from the worker and the person giving the induction.