Hiring the right person for an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) role is vital for any organization. The ideal candidate will not only have the necessary skills and experience, but they'll also be a good cultural fit for your company.
So, what interview questions can you ask to assess both a candidate's qualifications and their suitability for the role? We reached out to some of the top EHS leaders in the industry to get their take on the best EHS interview questions. Here's what they had to say.
#1. Environmental Health and Safety
#2. What are EHS functions?
#3. What is an EHS skill?
#4. EHS Interview Questions
#5. To Whom Those Questions Can Be Made?
#5.1. What is a Safety Specialist
#5.2. What is a Safety Manager
#5.3. What is the Main Difference Between Safety Specialist and Safety Manager?
#5.4. How do I interview an EHS manager?
#6. Conclusion
#1. Environmental Health and Safety
Environmental health and safety (EHS) is the branch of public health that deals with the prevention of environmental hazards. EHS professionals protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals, radiation, biological agents, and other dangerous materials. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
#2. What are EHS functions?
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for protecting the environment and the health and safety of employees. EHS professionals work to identify and mitigate health and safety risks in the workplace, as well as environmental risks. Some of the key functions of an EHS team include:
-Developing, implementing, and enforcing safety policies and procedures
-Conducting risk assessments
-Providing training on health and safety hazards
-Managing hazardous materials and waste
-Investigating accidents and incidents
#3. What is an EHS skill?
An EHS skill is the ability to identify and mitigate health and safety risks in the workplace. EHS professionals need to be able to think on their feet and react quickly to potential hazards. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with coworkers and management to ensure that everyone is aware of potential risks.
#4. EHS Interview Questions
1. What experience do you have with managing safety data?
2. Can you give me an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult situation?
3. What do you think are the most important qualities for success in an EHS role?
4. What do you know about our company and our EHS program?
5. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the EHS industry today?
6. Can you think of a time when you had to go above and beyond your job description?
7. What motivates you to do your best work?
8. Do you have any questions for me about the role or our company?
#5. To Whom Those Questions Can Be Made?
- Safety Specialist
- Safety Manager
#5.1. What is a Safety Specialist
A safety specialist is an environmental, health, and safety (EHS) professional who specializes in the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. They work to identify and mitigate health and safety risks in the workplace, and they often provide training on health and safety hazards. Safety specialists typically have a degree in occupational safety and health or a related field.
#5.2. What is a Safety Manager
A Safety Manager is responsible for ensuring that the workplace is safe and that workers are following safety procedures. They may work for a company or for a government agency.
#5.3. What is the Main Difference Between Safety Specialist and Safety Manager?
The main difference between a safety specialist and a safety manager is that a safety specialist is responsible for implementing and enforcing safety policies, while a safety manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing safety policies. Safety specialists are also responsible for conducting risk assessments, providing training on health and safety hazards, and managing hazardous materials. Safety managers are also responsible for investigating accidents and incidents.
#5.4. How do I interview an EHS manager?
To interview an EHS manager, you will want to be well-prepared. You will want to research the company and the position you are interviewing for. You should also be familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its regulations. During the interview, you should be prepared to discuss your safety experience and knowledge, as well as your ability to comply with safety regulations.
#6. Conclusion
Asking the right questions during an interview is essential for hiring the best possible candidate. These eight EHS interview questions will help you assess a candidate's qualifications and suitability for your organization. With these questions, you'll be able to identify candidates who are not only knowledgeable and experienced, but who will also be a good cultural fit for your company.