New starter health and safety training - the safety induction - is the first thing a new employee should receive before they get stuck into the job. A good induction protects people during their most vulnerable period (the early days, when everything is unfamiliar) and sets the safety tone for everything that follows. This guide covers what to include, when to run it, and how to certify new starters online from day one.
Why induction matters most for new starters
New and inexperienced workers are statistically more likely to be injured early on. They do not yet know the hazards, the layout, the emergency routes or who to ask. A structured induction closes that gap quickly and shows you take their safety seriously from the start.
What a safety induction should cover
- The main hazards of the workplace and how to avoid them.
- Emergency procedures - fire alarms, exits, assembly points. See fire safety.
- How to report hazards, near misses and accidents.
- Safe ways to do common tasks, including manual handling if lifting is involved.
- Where to find PPE, first aid and the safety statement.
- Their responsibilities and yours - see employee responsibilities.
When to deliver it
Induction should happen before or as a person starts work - not weeks later. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 specifically expects training on recruitment and when people face new risks.
An online induction course builds awareness fast and creates a dated record. It works best alongside a short, in-person walkthrough of your actual site, emergency routes and role-specific procedures.
How online induction helps
Online courses let a new starter complete consistent safety awareness on day one, on any device, and download a certificate immediately. That gives you instant evidence the induction happened. For rolling this into your hiring process, see health and safety training for employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a safety induction legally required in Ireland?
Employers must provide training appropriate to the risks, and induction at the point of starting work is a core part of meeting that duty under the 2005 Act.
Can induction be done entirely online?
The awareness element can. Pair it with a brief on-site walkthrough of your specific layout, emergency routes and procedures for a complete induction.
How long should an induction take?
An online awareness course typically takes under an hour, plus a short site-specific walkthrough on the day.
Onboard safely: set up new starter training for your next hire.
