An untrained member of staff is an unsafe member of staff! They can be a danger to themselves and others.

Induction training is crucially important in setting appropriate health and safety standards and informing employees of what is expected. The precise content of the training, its style and length will depend upon the nature of the workplace, the job and the employee.

Induction training should not be seen as a one single event but should be staged across the employees first months in the organisation or new department where their progress is reviewed as part of the normal appraisal process.

Employees who are new to an organisation or who have recently transferred to another department are more likely to have an accident. It is vital therefore that health and safety induction is undertaken for all new employees and those who have transferred because they may not be familiar with the hazards and risk controls in their new workplace or work activities.