Safety Manager Interview Questions

'I think the main duty of a safety manager is to keep employees safe by creating and implementing health and safety policies and plans. Safety managers implement these policies and plans by conducting training and presentations for employees. Once these policies or plans are in place, safety managers must ensure all employees are following them by performing routine audits.'

'If a manager opposed my safety plan or policy, I would discuss it with them. If it was a matter of budget, I would look for more cost-effective ways to implement the plan. If they simply thought it was unnecessary, I would explain the logic behind my plan by going over the current health and safety regulations with them. I would explain that the company could face a fine or risk closure if they don't implement the safety plan.'

'In my previous role, I used a demerit point system for non-compliant workers. If I saw an employee ignoring a safety protocol, they would receive a demerit point. Once they had one demerit point, they got a verbal warning. After three demerit points, they got a written warning in their file. If they got five, I would suspend them for one week unpaid. Any demerit points after that, I terminated the employee.'

'My greatest skills are my leadership abilities and my ethics. A good safety manager needs to encourage their team and lead by example, which I am able to do with my excellent leadership abilities. Having a strong moral code means I always follow health and safety regulations, and ensure my team does as well to keep everyone safe.'

'Whenever I had a new safety policy or plan, I would hold a meeting or bring it up in an established meeting. If an employee was missing from that meeting, I would personally inform them of the new plan or policies. I would also print out the new policy or plan and post it on the company message board for a week or two, giving people the chance to get used to it.'

'I have a bachelor degree from Wavewood University in Occupational Health and Safety. I also have five years of experience as a safety manager, so I am up-to-date with the current health and safety regulations in Australia.'

'When I was performing an audit in the warehouse I worked in, I noticed several employees not wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). I approached them and asked them where their PPE was, and they said they lost it. I retrieved new PPE for them and issued a verbal warning. I noted it in my report to keep an eye out for those employees, or others, on my next audit.'

'I would never ignore a safety issue as it could lead to an accident, potentially harming employees or customers. I would note the safety issue in my report, note that I informed the manager, and escalate the issue myself. If it was an issue I could fix, I would. If not, I would put in a work order for a contractor to come in, and I would block off the area until then.'

'I pursued a career as a safety manager because, growing up, I always wanted to help people. A family friend was a safety manager, and I loved hearing about his job, so I took a health and safety course in my spare time. I really enjoyed the content, so I pursued health and safety at university and got my first job as soon as I graduated.'

'When I was walking through the warehouse to get to your office, I noticed some employees wearing approved safety shoes. Due to the nature of your work, everyone should wear approved steel-toe shoes. I would start by holding a meeting with everyone and going over the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) they should have. I would also put up signs throughout the warehouse outlining the necessary PPE so employees always have something to refer to.'

'I would go to where the accident occurred immediately. If someone was hurt, I would call 000 if bystanders hadn't done so already. I have first aid training, so I would administer minor first aid if necessary. Once the injured employee goes to the hospital, I would block off and assess the scene. I would check for hazards that could have caused the accident and check the cameras or talk to bystanders for further information. I would then create a detailed report, noting the hazards leading to the accident so we can fix them.'

'I would say I adopt an authoritarian management style. If employees don't follow my policies or plans, people could get seriously injured, so I must have the authority to enforce these regulations.'

'I stay up-to-date with current health and safety regulations by constantly referring to the Safe Work Australia and state safety websites. They are always posting newsletters with any new regulations or important information. They also offer health and safety courses, which I take in my spare time.'

'I've been a Safety Manager for the last five years and really enjoy it, so I plan to stay in this role for the rest of my career. I only left my last position because I am looking to work for a larger company like yours, with more opportunities to grow.'

'I worked in an office setting in my previous role and overlooked a new employee using a chair that wasn't ergonomic. They never complained about it until they were off for a few days with back pain. When they came back, I asked why they were off, and they told me, so I looked into their workstation. When I realised the chair was probably causing them back pain, I got them a new, ergonomically correct one, and they felt better. I then ensured every employee had the correct chair and desk.'