Training Needs Analysis

A Training Needs Analysis is a questionnaire designed to help identify work health and safety training needs. Responses to the questionnaire support development of the training plan. The analysis is conducted online to minimise paperwork and enhance data collation and analysis.

JCU is a large organisation with a fairly complex structure. In response, the TNA has a two-tiered approach:

1. A TNA template and example of a completed TNA is emailed to identified JCU managers and supervisors along with a link to an online survey and detailed directions. Managers and supervisors are responsible for consulting with their staff and completing the TNA and online survey based on the responses and feedback received.
2. Survey results are collated into a report for each Division and a consultation process is then carried out to identify inconsistencies and similarities to paint a clear picture of what is required.

Extract from the JCU University Plan 2013-2017:

A safe workplace for our students, staff, contractors and visitors is of paramount concern to the University. The successful completion of critical milestones towards compliance with Workplace Health and Safety legislation, and where possible the adoption of best practice, will reflect our success in this arena.

To achieve legislative compliance and the adoption of best practice with regards to occupational health and safety training, the Health, Safety and Environment Unit oversees a suite of procedures to support business units across the organisation to follow the same safety procedure for all high risk  activities and tasks.

The TNA assists in the identification of mandatory generic training that will educate and empower all staff to undertake their employment at JCU in a safe way.

Note: Task and job specific safety training is not included in the TNA; this type of training will continue to be identified and provided by the relevant managers.

It is desirable for all JCU staff to have the following competencies:

• General safety information regarding common and high risk hazards at the workplace
• Hazard and risk identification and management
• Fire and emergency evacuation training
• Job appropriate HSE systems and software training (RiskWare, RiskWare Field Trip Management and ChemWatch)
• Workstation ergonomics
• Manual handling
• An understanding of the duties of a worker as detailed in the work health and safety legislation
• Managers and supervisors should have a comprehensive knowledge of their duties as Officers as detailed in the work health and safety legislation

Additionally, specific identified roles will require the following competencies:

• Conducting incident investigations
• Roles and responsibilities of Safety Committees
• Hazardous Substances management
• Conducting workplace inspections
• Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training
• Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Training
• Fire Safety Advisor Training

The TNA process involves JCU managers consulting with their staff to evaluate existing work health and safety competencies and skills to identify performance gaps, and appropriate training will be prioritised accordingly.

JCU managers should also provide suggestions for any training needs identified during this process which is not already in the training program. These will be considered on a case by case basis taking a risk based approach.

Training will be delivered through a variety of methods including online, workshops, seminars and group discussions. The delivery method will be determined based on the training content, the target audience and the required frequency of delivery.