The relationship between General Construction Induction Training and Safety Awareness in the Australian Construction Industry

The construction industry presents an ever-changing and dangerous environment, posing a significant challenge to the safety of workers. In Australia, it is mandatory to undergo General Construction Induction Training (GIT) to obtain the White Card unit of competency, ensuring basic Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) knowledge before commencing work on construction sites. Despite legislative changes and educational adjustments, workers continue to experience significant incidents. This thesis presents a study that evaluates the suitability of the GIT in improving safety awareness within this industry. Employing a quantitative research method, the study utilises a survey administered to a small, representative sample of the construction workforce in New South Wales (NSW). Data analysis involves statistical methods to assess the suitability of GIT delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in imparting workplace safety knowledge. The findings emphasise the inadequacy of the one-off current GIT delivery for new workers highlighting the need for extended and repeated induction training to enhance safety awareness. The study advocates for more frequent safety training to mitigate incident occurrence and stresses equal participation from management and workers in extended safety programs. Additionally, it recommends incorporating more visual aids in induction training to enhance safety comprehension and reduce incidents. Concerns about the ease of passing induction training are linked to construction accidents, suggesting the necessity for stricter procedures in cancelling induction cards in severe cases. The study proposes a bottom-up approach, recommending periodic GITs conducted by RTOs with the support of experienced construction workers to improve safety awareness and reduce incidents. Overall, this research provides essential insights into the current GIT’s effectiveness and limitations, offering recommendations for enhancing safety awareness and reducing incident occurrence in the construction industry.