Site safety briefings are an essential – and legally necessary – part of the onboarding process for any new starter on a construction site. By offering in-depth safety knowledge to a worker before they begin, construction companies are arming them with all the information they need to keep themselves and their fellow colleagues safe.
But with the rise of digital and cloud technology, these companies now have more options than ever to deliver this information in a format that may differ from tradition, but ultimately suit the candidate better. Which begs the question: Are site safety briefings best delivered on-site or at home via online inductions? Let’s discuss.
The advantages of delivering site safety briefings on-site
In-person interaction
It’s always nice to be able to gauge someone’s personality and sociability ahead of them joining a new team. While a site induction is a very formal affair, it can still be a great time to get to know a new starter a little better and offer a sense of personability between the new starter and the existing member of staff delivering the inductions.
The disadvantages of delivering site safety briefings on-site
Information can be rushed
Construction sites are time-sensitive machines, with work needing to be kept on schedule if the job is to be completed on time and under budget. Given the need for hard-working staff members to fill the void quickly, these briefings can feel a tad rushed and treated as more of an unwelcome necessity than an essential component of the job. But it is when safety information such as that presented in these briefings is rushed that workers are uncertain of what to do when the situation calls for it.
New starters can feel overwhelmed
Beginning a new role can be daunting at the best of times. But in an industry as safety-critical as construction, it can be overwhelming for even the best of us. If a new starter is dealing with feelings of anxiety and nervousness, having to onboard an entire site safety briefing in one sitting – often early in the morning on their first day – can all seem like too much. Because of this, the information may not make its way into their subconscious as effectively as managers would like.
The advantages of delivering site safety briefings via online inductions at home
Information can be digested in the workers’ own time
Rather than feeling rushed on the first day, online induction software allows candidates to complete the necessary viewing and reading in their own time at a pace that suits them. This will undoubtedly help the new starter onboard the information more effectively, making them a greater help should a safety emergency arise.
Site inductions can be completed from anywhere
While most candidates may opt to complete an online induction from the comfort of their own home, the truth is that with the right induction software, new starters can complete their sit inductions from virtually anywhere, as long as they have the right digital device to view the content. With a smartphone, laptop or tablet, candidates could view the necessary materials from a cafe, the library, or even on the bus during their commute – the choice is theirs.
Managers can collect information and make decisions well ahead of time
When starting a new role in construction, candidates are required to offer proof they have the necessary experience and qualifications to meet the required standard. But it can sometimes be the case that when new starters arrive with their documents for their first day, the documents they have are not up to scratch. This costs the construction company time and effort, having to wait for the new starter to retrieve the right documents or to find a new candidate entirely.
But with online inductions completed at home, new starters can upload digital copies of these documents, offering managers the chance to view and approve them well ahead of time.
The disadvantages of delivering site safety briefings via online inductions at home
A lack of the personal touch
Online inductions may feel on the “lonesome” side when compared to in-person inductions. However, with the right training materials and video presentations, online inductions can often feel just as personable and reassuring as ones delivered on-site, allowing the candidate to get a good feel of their new working role and team long before they ever even arrive.
Invest in online inductions to give your site the versatility it needs
If you’re looking for a way to make your induction process more efficient, accessible and versatile while upholding legal standards, consider investing in online induction software for your company – you won’t regret it.