Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Health and Safety Advisor Roles – 2025

Preparing for a health and safety advisor job interview? As a content writer and interview specialist, I have gathered a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your experience, knowledge, and skills in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. These questions cover various areas of health and safety including risk assessment, emergency response, and compliance with regulations and industry standards.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience in a health and safety role.
  I have been working as a health and safety advisor for the past five years in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. I have experience in conducting risk assessments, developing safety policies and procedures, and implementing training programs for employees.
• 2. How do you stay updated on the latest health and safety regulations and standards?
  I regularly attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to health and safety. I also subscribe to industry publications and follow reputable organizations such as OSHA and the National Safety Council to stay updated on any changes or updates in regulations and standards.
• 3. How do you prioritize and manage your workload as a health and safety advisor?
  I use a task management system to prioritize my tasks and ensure that all critical tasks are completed on time. I also delegate tasks to other team members and communicate any potential risks or issues to upper management.
• 4. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult situation related to health and safety?
  In my previous role, an employee was injured on the job due to a malfunctioning machine. I immediately followed our established emergency response procedures and addressed the issue with the machine. I also conducted a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the incident and implemented measures to prevent it from happening again.
• 5. How do you ensure that employees are following health and safety procedures?
  I believe in a proactive approach to health and safety. I regularly conduct safety audits and inspections, as well as provide ongoing training and communication to employees about the importance of following procedures. I also encourage open communication and make myself available for any questions or concerns.
• 6. How do you handle conflicts with management or employees regarding health and safety policies?
  I first try to understand the reasons behind their disagreement and then explain the importance of following health and safety policies and the potential consequences of not doing so. If necessary, I also work with upper management to find a compromise that will satisfy both parties while still maintaining a safe working environment.
• 7. How do you promote a culture of safety within the workplace?
  I believe that promoting a culture of safety starts with leading by example. I always follow safety procedures and encourage others to do the same. I also regularly communicate the importance of safety and recognize and reward employees who prioritize safety in their work.
• 8. How do you handle confidential information related to health and safety incidents?
  I understand the sensitivity of this information and make sure to follow all company policies and procedures for handling confidential information. I only share this information with authorized individuals who have a legitimate need to know.
• 9. How do you handle working with contractors and outside agencies regarding health and safety?
  I make sure to thoroughly vet any contractors or outside agencies before working with them to ensure they have a strong health and safety record. I also clearly communicate our company's safety policies and procedures and ensure that they are followed on our premises.
• 10. What motivates you to work in the health and safety field?
  I am passionate about promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for employees. Knowing that my work can prevent injuries and even save lives drives me to continually improve and excel in this field.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you identified and addressed a potential safety hazard in the workplace.
  In my previous role, I noticed that employees were not using personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately, which put them at risk for injury. I conducted a training session on the proper use of PPE and implemented a monitoring system to ensure compliance.
• 12. Give an example of a time when you had to handle an employee who was not following safety procedures.
  In my previous role, an employee was consistently not following lockout/tagout procedures, which could have resulted in serious injuries. I spoke to the employee and explained the importance of this procedure and the potential consequences of not following it. I also provided additional training and reinforcement.
• 13. Tell us about a time when you successfully implemented a new safety policy or procedure.
  In my current role, I identified the need for a confined space entry procedure after a near-miss incident. I worked with the management team to develop and implement this policy, which has since been successfully used to safely complete several tasks.
• 14. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a safety emergency.
  In my previous role, a chemical spill occurred in the facility. I immediately activated our emergency response plan and worked with the team to contain and clean up the spill without any injuries or major damage.
• 15. Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict between employees regarding health and safety.
  In my previous role, two employees had a disagreement about the proper use of a safety harness. I listened to both perspectives and referred to our company's safety policies and procedures to resolve the conflict and ensure that all employees understood the correct procedure.

Situational Questions

• 16. You need to conduct a safety audit in a facility that has not had one in the past three years. How do you approach this task?
  I would first familiarize myself with the facility's layout and processes and review any previous safety audits and incident reports. I would then conduct a thorough inspection, identify any potential hazards or non-compliance with regulations, and make recommendations for improvement.
• 17. You are faced with a situation where a work task cannot be completed without breaking a safety regulation. How do you handle this?
  I would halt the task immediately and notify the appropriate individuals about the safety concern. I would then work with the team to find a safe alternative method or adjust the task to comply with regulations.
• 18. An employee comes to you with a complaint about a co-worker not following safety procedures. How do you handle this?
  I would listen to the employee's concerns and gather more information about the situation. I would then address the issue with the co-worker, provide any necessary training or reinforcement of procedures, and monitor the situation to ensure that the issue is resolved.
• 19. You suspect that an employee is not fit to safely perform their job due to a medical condition. How do you handle this?
  I would first speak to the employee and gather more information about the medical condition. I would then refer to our company's policies and procedures for dealing with medical issues in the workplace and work with the employee and their doctor to determine if any adjustments can be made to their job duties to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
• 20. You are conducting a training session on safety procedures and realize that some employees are not paying attention or seem disinterested. How would you handle this?
  I would stop the training and find out what is causing the lack of engagement. I would then modify the training to make it more interactive and engaging and provide examples of why these procedures are important and how they can keep employees safe.