Would you know the difference between an on-site induction to an off-site system? With so many different types of Online Induction Systems available it's difficult to see which type of system would suit your organisation best or whether you actually need a more in-depth system combining the two. The way you deliver your inductions will depend on various factors like the number of people being inducted, the size of your workplace and the complexity of the health and safety matters to be discussed and each module length. So just what are the differences between the two systems and which is best?

Off-site inductions

Off-site inductions have a series of modules online so that your contractors, employees, and site visitors can complete them before they arrive on site. Running your inductions online and off-site makes it easier to track and maintain training progress and entry rights too. For example, if the system detects that a returning contractor’s induction certificate has expired, you can automatically resend the course for them to complete before they are due on-site. These are usually suited for more general inductions, which provide a basic overview relating to your industry, health and safety, security, and environmental aspects.

Examples of how Off-site Inductions work:

Giving new employees the chance to do general inductions off-site is a good way for them to get to know general company culture and procedures before they commence employment. This can be based on your companies history, ethos, and culture.

If contractors have the chance to do inductions off-site they can complete them at their own pace and complete the required courses before they come on-site. This also removes the need for additional on-site resources to be provided (such as staff), as the contractor is fully inducted prior to arrival. This is also a great way to quickly induct contractors across multiple sites, provided of course they are carrying out the same tasks.

Briefing visitors on your site prior to arrival, can make them feel welcome and help speed up the sign-in process. You could also look to provide casual visitors with a non-compulsory, shortened version of your off-site employee induction.

Why should I have an on-site induction then?

There are definitely times when it’s best to run your inductions on-site. Being able to physically show people aspects of their inductions e.g. the emergency meeting point can be invaluable for the safety and security of your employees and site visitors. These Inductions are a good tool for Health and Safety compliance and to meet legal obligations. They usually cover:

Risks and hazards in your workplace
Special equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and first aid
Safe work procedures
Emergency systems
First aid team and other emergency contacts.

What businesses need an on-site induction?

High risk/hazard businesses like manufacturers, refineries and construction companies often choose to induct visitors as well as employees on-site, usually focusing on Emergency Evacuation Plans, PPE and Safety Protocols. If your induction modules need to involve:

A complicated work site layout
Lots of site specific content
Complex reporting structures or Health and Safety processes
Set-up steps that may need guidance (for example downloading a lone worker app)
Task-specific training (that may need demonstrating),

Then it might be the best option to run your induction on-site, giving the inductee the chance to learn under the guidance of your team.

How to decide if your company needs an on-site or off-site induction

Factors to take into account when deciding how to run your inductions are:

How long is each induction? Will there be enough time to go through it all on-site?
Is the induction for a new employee, a contractor, or a visitor? Will they need specific instructions in person or is the tone more general?
Do you have staff resource available to run/supervise the induction?
Is there space for the inductee to sit and learn? What if there is a group of contractors or visitors needing to be inducted together? Will there be enough resources to manage it?
Can you split the induction so some of it is done off-site and some is on-site? Will this make the process smoother or harder to manage?
If you are asking people to do inductions off-site, are you offering an alternative for people do them at your site if they can’t access the internet?

It’s also worth considering how and when to confirm what your process and reasons are for induction when people they arrive. Whether you choose to induct off-site, on-site or both, the reasons for inducting are the same. Inductions ensure both staff and visitors on your site are safe and up to the job. It is important that they know what to do whilst on-site, and who to talk to if they have any questions or concerns. Having a competent induction system ensures, a safe, productive and compliant environment for your team. Find out more about our Online Induction Systems. To see how Induction Systems can help your business, or if you have any questions, then why not contact our team.