Predictors of Dairy Worker Pre-Test and Post-Test Performance on a Dairy Safety Knowledge Test: Impact of Education Level and Native Language

ABSTRACT

Background

Efficacy-driven assessments of linguistically appropriate occupational health and safety training (OHS) for dairy workers remain uncommon. This study analyzes predictors of performance on a dairy safety knowledge test using pre-and-post knowledge assessments. The safety training course was delivered by iPad™ to Idahoan dairy workers, managers, and owners.

Objective

To determine the predictors of safety knowledge scores among dairy worker course participants.

Methods

Predictors of pre-test (baseline) scores and change in test scores of n = 1,336 participants were compared, and multivariate iterative linear regressions were used to predict test performance, adjusting for variables such as occupation, years of formal education, native language, and years in dairy work.

Results

Test scores for Spanish and English speakers improved between pre-test and post-test. Years of formal education was the most predictive variable of higher baseline scores and change in test scores among dairy safety course participants, regardless of language.

Conclusion

Dairy worker safety training course results showed improvements in safety knowledge and test scores. Years of formal education of participants appears to be a key determinant of increases in safety knowledge, and therefore safety training programs need to address the learning needs of less educated workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Adult learning theory
• dairy
• occupational health and safety
• workers

Acknowledgments

Special thank you to the Idaho Dairymen’s Association for use of their data and The Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety for supporting this research. Thank you also to Brian High of the University of Washington for R coding assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Research reported in this thesis was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under Federal Training Grant T42OH008433. The content is solely the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.