Glossary · Safe work, maintenance and competence
Training needs analysis
Also known as: TNA, training needs assessment
In occupational safety, a training needs analysis is a structured determination of the required competencies based on tasks, hazards, roles and controls, compared with the competencies people currently have.
- Machine safety
- Human factors
In one sentence
A training needs analysis derives who needs which competence from tasks, hazards, roles and controls, and finds the gaps.
Example
For a new automated line, the analysis lists tasks per role (operator, setter, maintenance, cleaning), the hazards and controls of each, and the competence required, leading to separate modules for lockout and special operating modes.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Human factors: Start from tasks and hazards, not from available courses. A job hazard analysis is a good input.
- Machine safety: Controls that depend on people, such as lockout, pre-use checks or special operating modes, each create a training need. If a control has no matching competence, it exists only on paper.
- Technical documentation: The instructions for use define target groups and their required knowledge; the analysis maps those to real roles on site.
- Evidence: The analysis justifies the training program and the criteria for competency assessment. Revisit it when tasks, equipment or roles change.
Training needs analysis vs. competency assessment
The analysis determines what competence is required. The assessment checks whether an individual has it.