Safety managers are categorized under occupational health and safety specialists and technicians in the United States by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the increasing construction activity and emergency management services in the country, especially in California, the demand for safety managers is also rising, as the primary job responsibilities of safety managers are to ensure health and safety regulations in the workplace.
Moreover, the job outlook for these professionals will likely grow by five percent in the next five years. The average salary of safety managers is around $74,700 annually, which may vary depending on different factors, such as experience level, industry, employer, and geographical location.
If you’re also looking for safety manager jobs or have an interview with an employer, here are a few common interview questions to prepare for to have a better chance at securing the job. Read more to find out how a technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions can help you get a position as a safety manager.
Interviewing for Safety Manager Jobs? Be prepared
Regardless of the industry or workplace, the primary responsibility of safety managers is to ensure the safety and protection of everyone, meaning you need to be prepared to answer complex and critical questions about the safety and health regulations at the workplace. Note that every workplace in the country needs to follow instructions and guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency.
As a safety professional, you need to be well-versed with the agency’s policies, standards, and rules to answer questions regarding that in the job interview. Be prepared to answer questions related to any recent amendments, updates, and changes in the regulations, as this shows your in-depth knowledge of the field and a positive attitude toward learning new things about your specialized field.
Top Interview Questions
1. Are you OSHA certified?
OSHA certification is a mandatory requirement to work in a construction, maritime, disaster site, or general industry. The certification involves training in common safety and health hazards in the workplace/job site. So, ensure you’ve earned the certification and proper knowledge.
2. What’s your first reaction when you notice a safety hazard?
When asked this question, apply what you’ve learned in the OSHA outreach training to tackle such problems or safety hazards. Don’t forget to support your answer with relevant examples.
3. What challenges did you face in your last role?
Remember, it’s part of the job to work in challenging situations, especially concerning many people’s health and safety. Talk about how you enforce safety standards, control site access, and monitor safety training and certifications
4. How would you handle the situation if an employee were injured?
Again, the best way to answer this is by applying the knowledge you’ve gained through OSHA outreach training, your education, internships, or previous work experience (if any). Demonstrate leadership skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving aptitude through your answer.
5. How do you stay motivated in your role?
Talk about why and how you landed in the role and what makes you pursue this career. This is your chance to sell yourself and prove how you’ll be an asset to the company by keeping everyone safe on the job site.
6. How do you ensure employees follow safety procedures?
List some of the activities, such as safety audits and team meetings/interactions, you’ll follow in the workplace to ensure everyone’s following the set safety standards and procedures.
Work with a Technical Staffing Agency to Find Safety Management Jobs
Finding jobs in safety management is difficult, but it can get a lot easier when you sign up for a technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions. It provides easy access to companies and projects unlisted on popular job portals and recruitment sites.
Certis also allows you to broaden your network by connecting you with industry experts, veterans, and existing professionals. It understands your personal and professional goals to find a job that matches your expectations and needs.
Search for safety management jobs at Certis Solutions and visit the website to learn more about our comprehensive services, designed specifically to help architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals find work in California and all around the country.