CET Training Needs Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A supervisor reports that operators skip a machine guard check. Asked whether the operators could perform the check correctly if their jobs depended on it, the answer is clearly yes. What does this suggest?
- A skill deficiency requiring hands-on training
- A non-training problem such as consequences, obstacles, or lack of feedback (Correct answer)
- A need for a longer refresher course
- A literacy barrier in the written procedure
Correct answer: A non-training problem such as consequences, obstacles, or lack of feedback
If workers can already perform the task, the gap stems from motivation, environment, or management factors rather than missing knowledge or skill.
Question 2: Which level of a classic three-level needs analysis examines where in the company training is needed and whether resources and management support exist?
- Person analysis
- Task analysis
- Organizational analysis (Correct answer)
- Content analysis
Correct answer: Organizational analysis
Organizational analysis looks at goals, resources, climate, and where training fits strategically.
Question 3: A trainer needs a structured, facilitated workshop in which expert workers define the duties and tasks of a job. Which method fits best?
- DACUM (Correct answer)
- Kirkpatrick Level 2 testing
- Pareto charting
- Random sampling of OSHA 300 logs
Correct answer: DACUM
DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) uses a panel of expert workers to produce a chart of a job's duties and tasks.
Question 4: Under OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147), which situation requires retraining authorized and affected employees?
- Every calendar quarter no matter what
- Only after an OSHA citation
- A change in job assignments, machines, or energy control procedures, or a new hazard (Correct answer)
- Only when the employee transfers to another facility
Correct answer: A change in job assignments, machines, or energy control procedures, or a new hazard
1910.147(c)(7)(iii) requires retraining when assignments, equipment, processes, or procedures change, or when inspections reveal inadequacies.
Question 5: Which data source is the best leading indicator for spotting training needs before injuries happen?
- OSHA Form 300A annual summary
- Workers' compensation claims costs
- Lost-workday case rate
- Near-miss and unsafe-behavior observation reports (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Near-miss and unsafe-behavior observation reports
Near misses and observations show hazards and performance gaps before harm occurs, unlike lagging injury data.
Question 6: A gap analysis in training needs assessment compares which two things?
- Training budget versus actual spending
- Desired performance versus current performance (Correct answer)
- Instructor qualifications versus learner preferences
- Classroom hours versus online hours
Correct answer: Desired performance versus current performance
A gap analysis measures the difference between required or desired performance and the actual current level.
Question 7: During a learner analysis, a trainer learns that many workers read below a sixth-grade level and several speak Spanish as their first language. What is the most appropriate response?
- Provide training in a language and vocabulary workers understand, with visual aids (Correct answer)
- Keep the existing written materials since they meet the regulation
- Exclude those workers until they pass a reading test
- Shift all instruction to self-paced reading modules
Correct answer: Provide training in a language and vocabulary workers understand, with visual aids
OSHA expects training to be presented in a manner employees can understand, so materials should match their language and literacy.
