Do I have to induct a new worker on health and safety?

In effect, yes. Under the model Work Health and Safety Act s19, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers, and that duty expressly includes providing any information, training, instruction or supervision that is necessary to protect them from risks. A WHS induction is the practical way most businesses meet that duty when a worker starts. There is no separate section that uses the word 'induction', and no employee-number threshold — the s19 duty applies to small businesses too. This applies in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT and the Commonwealth; Victoria has an equivalent duty in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) s21.

What should a WHS induction cover?

A good WHS induction covers: the business and the worker's key WHS contacts (their supervisor, the health and safety representative and first aiders); the worker's own duties under model WHS Act s28 — to take reasonable care, follow reasonable instructions and report hazards; the site-specific hazards for the role and the controls in place; how to report a hazard, near miss or incident; emergency procedures including evacuation, the assembly point and first aid; any PPE required; how the business consults workers and how to raise a concern; the right to cease work the worker reasonably believes is unsafe; and a sign-off the worker and inductor both date. This tool assembles all of these, plus any hazard-specific sections you tick.

Are young workers at higher risk?

Yes. New and young workers are recognised as being at higher risk of a work-related injury. They are unfamiliar with the workplace and its hazards, are still learning the job, and are less likely to question unsafe work or speak up about a concern. Because of this, the information, training, instruction and supervision provided to them (model WHS Act s19) should be thorough, worked through with them rather than just handed over, and backed by closer supervision while they get up to speed.

Is a WHS induction legally required in a specific form?

There is no prescribed template or fixed checklist in the model WHS laws. What the law requires (s19) is that you provide the information, training, instruction and supervision necessary to protect the worker, so far as is reasonably practicable. An induction document like this one helps you do that and gives you a record that you did. Keep the signed induction on the worker's file, and check your state or territory WHS regulator's young-worker and induction guidance for anything specific to your industry.

Can I edit the induction before I print it?

Yes. You enter the business, role and worker details, list your key WHS contacts, and tick the hazard sections that apply to the job — site hazards, PPE, machinery, manual handling, chemicals, vehicles, heights and more. The tool assembles the induction with those sections plus the core sections (duties, report a hazard, emergency, raising concerns and sign-off) and a worker / inductor sign-off block. You should tailor every section to your actual workplace, hazards and people before relying on it, then print or save it as a PDF.

New & Young Worker WHS Induction Builder

Enter the business, role and worker details, list your key WHS contacts, and tick the hazard sections that apply. The tool assembles a WHS induction for a new or young worker — covering their duties, site hazards, how to report a hazard, emergency procedures, raising concerns and a sign-off — with editable content you can print or save as a PDF.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Under the model WHS Act s19, a PCBU must provide any information, training, instruction or supervision necessary to protect persons from risks to their health and safety. New and young workers are at higher risk — unfamiliar with the work and less likely to speak up — so a thorough WHS induction is good practice and part of that duty. Workers in turn must take reasonable care and follow reasonable instructions (s28).

FairWork Mate AI

Is the figure right for you?

The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.

Just need this week sorted? A 7-Day Pass is 50 questions over 7 days, no account. Get a 7-Day Pass — $14.99

Get pay and rights updates for your job

Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

New & Young Worker WHS Induction Builder

Worker and business details

Key WHS contacts

Induction sections

Is the figure right for you?

Related Tools