Testing as a measure of worker health and safety training: perspectives from a hazardous materials program.
BACKGROUND
Health and safety training for hazardous materials workers is among OSHA's major policies. A large and growing workforce in this area, and the resulting risks for these workers and the public, make quality training critical. Measuring trainees' individual knowledge following training is a common but controversial practice.


METHODS
Technical issues and benefits in testing, strategies for mitigating the limitations of testing, and the relevance of testing at a broader policy level were examined from the perspective of a large and diverse program.


RESULTS
Knowledge data from individuals greatly aided in evaluating program effectiveness at the time of training and in assessing workplace impact later. Use of sound testing principles and creative examination methods and materials, and collaboration across programs, all helped to address concerns for individual programs and the field generally.


CONCLUSIONS
Programs would benefit from fully considering the benefits and options related to knowledge assessment in training. Those who choose to assess individual knowledge could move the process forward through added rigor, collaboration, and documentation of efforts.
Weidner
B L
BL
Division of Public Education and Risk Communication, Department of Environmental and Community Medicine, EOHSI, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School--University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, USA. Weidner@EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D015397:Program Evaluation
D015386:Hazardous Substances