25 EHS Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) managers are responsible for ensuring that their company follows all the necessary safety protocols to protect their employees, customers, and the environment. They also work to prevent accidents and injuries, and must be able to quickly and effectively respond to any emergency situation.

If you’re looking to become an EHS manager, you’ll need to be able to answer a range of interview questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some common EHS manager interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

1. Are you familiar with the environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that apply to our industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the industry’s regulations and how they apply to their company. Use your answer to highlight any relevant knowledge or experience you have with these laws and regulations.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with the environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that apply to your industry. During my previous role as an EHS Manager, I worked closely with regulatory agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and DOT to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. I have a deep understanding of the requirements for hazardous waste management, air emissions control, stormwater management, and other areas related to the industry. In addition, I have experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs, conducting risk assessments, and training employees on safe work practices. My knowledge and experience make me well-suited for this position.”

2. What are some of the most important aspects of environmental, health and safety management?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of EHS management. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of what’s important in this role and how you would apply it to your work.

Example: “The most important aspects of environmental, health and safety management are ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, developing a culture of safety within the organization, and implementing effective risk management strategies. Compliance is essential to ensure that the organization meets all relevant legal requirements and avoids potential fines or other penalties. Developing a culture of safety involves creating an environment where employees feel safe and empowered to report any issues they may have. Finally, effective risk management strategies should be implemented in order to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with operations. These strategies should include regular inspections, training programs, emergency response plans, and hazard communication systems. As an experienced EHS Manager, I understand the importance of these elements and am confident that I can help your organization achieve its goals.”

3. How would you handle an employee who consistently violated company safety policies?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can enforce company policies and procedures. They want to know that you’re willing to take action when necessary, even if it means disciplining or terminating an employee. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation fairly while also protecting the rights of the employee.

Example: “If an employee consistently violates company safety policies, I would handle the situation in a few steps. First, I would have a one-on-one conversation with the employee to discuss the policy violations and explain why it is important for everyone to follow the rules. During this conversation, I would also provide resources or training if needed to help them understand the importance of following safety protocols.

Next, I would document the incident and any corrective actions taken. This documentation will be necessary should further disciplinary action need to be taken. Finally, depending on the severity of the violation, I would take appropriate disciplinary action such as verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, or termination. My goal is always to ensure that all employees are safe while at work and that they understand the importance of following safety policies.”

4. What is the proper procedure for handling a chemical spill in the workplace?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of proper safety procedures. Use examples from your experience that show how you followed the company’s policies and procedures for handling spills, as well as how you communicated with employees about the spill and its effects.

Example: “The proper procedure for handling a chemical spill in the workplace begins with identifying the type of chemicals that have been spilled. Once the type of chemical has been identified, it is important to determine if the spill poses an immediate threat to personnel or the environment. If so, then evacuation and emergency response protocols should be followed.

Once the area has been secured and any potential hazards are addressed, the next step is to contain the spill. This can involve using absorbent materials such as sand, sawdust, or cat litter to soak up the liquid. It is also important to make sure that the contaminated material is disposed of properly according to local regulations.

After the spill has been contained, it is important to clean up the area. Depending on the type of chemical spilled, this may require specialized cleaning products and equipment. Finally, it is essential to document the incident and report it to the appropriate authorities.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you developed and implemented an effective environmental, health and safety policy.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you can apply them to their organization. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific policy that you developed and the steps you took to implement it.

Example: “I recently developed and implemented an effective environmental, health and safety policy at my current job. The goal of the policy was to ensure that all employees were aware of their responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. To do this, I created a comprehensive training program that included both classroom instruction and hands-on activities.

The first step in the process was to educate employees on the basics of EHS policies and procedures. This included topics such as proper use of personal protective equipment, hazardous material handling, and emergency response protocols. After completing the initial training, employees participated in interactive exercises designed to reinforce the concepts they had learned.

Once the training was complete, I established a system of regular audits to ensure that the policy was being followed. During these audits, I would review employee records, inspect workspaces, and observe workers in action. If any issues were identified, corrective action plans were put into place immediately. Finally, I held monthly meetings with staff to discuss any new developments or changes to the policy.”

6. If you had to choose one area of environmental, health and safety management to focus on, what would it be?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your priorities and determine if you are likely to be successful in this role. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of all aspects of EHS management, but also indicate which area you would prioritize as an EHS manager.

Example: “If I had to choose one area of environmental, health and safety management to focus on, it would be hazard identification and risk assessment. This is an essential part of EHS management as it helps identify potential hazards in the workplace and assess the associated risks. By doing so, we can develop strategies to mitigate or eliminate those risks before they become a problem.

I have extensive experience in this field, having worked for several years in various roles related to hazard identification and risk assessment. I am familiar with the different methods used to identify and assess hazards, such as Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). I also understand the importance of creating effective control measures to reduce or eliminate identified risks.”

7. What would you do if the budget for environmental, health and safety initiatives was too low to implement all of the necessary changes?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your ability to prioritize and manage a company’s resources. In your answer, describe how you would determine which projects are most important and how you would communicate these decisions to the rest of the team.

Example: “If the budget for environmental, health and safety initiatives was too low to implement all of the necessary changes, I would first assess the current situation and prioritize which initiatives are most important. By understanding the needs of the organization and the risks associated with not taking action, I can identify the areas that need immediate attention. From there, I will work with stakeholders to develop a plan to address the highest priority issues within the available budget. This may include finding cost-effective solutions or looking for outside funding sources such as grants or donations. Finally, I would create an ongoing monitoring system to ensure that any changes made are effective and that no new hazards have been created in the process.”

8. How well do you communicate with government agencies and other external stakeholders?

EHS managers often need to communicate with external stakeholders, such as government agencies and other companies. These entities may request information about the company’s EHS program or ask for assistance in implementing their own programs. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you interact with others. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can be professional and respectful while also being honest and direct when necessary.

Example: “I have extensive experience in communicating with government agencies and other external stakeholders. I understand the importance of building strong relationships with these entities, as they can be a valuable resource for any organization.

I am very comfortable interacting with all levels of government personnel, from local to state to federal representatives. I also have experience working with various industry associations and trade groups. My ability to build trust and rapport quickly has enabled me to establish effective partnerships with these organizations.

In addition, I am well-versed in navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. I have an excellent understanding of EHS policies and procedures and how they apply to different situations. This allows me to effectively communicate complex topics in a way that is easy to understand.”

9. Do you have any experience working with hazardous materials?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with handling hazardous materials. If you have previous experience working with hazardous materials, share a story about how you handled the situation and what you learned from it. If you don’t have any experience working with hazardous materials, you can talk about how you would handle such situations if they arose in your new role.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience working with hazardous materials. During my previous role as an EHS Manager, I was responsible for the management of all hazardous material related activities. This included developing and implementing safety protocols, conducting risk assessments, training staff on proper handling procedures, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

I also worked closely with other departments to ensure that any hazardous materials were properly stored, handled, and disposed of in accordance with company policies and local laws. In addition, I regularly monitored inventory levels and kept records of all incoming and outgoing shipments. My experience has given me a deep understanding of how to safely manage hazardous materials and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.”

10. When performing an environmental audit, what areas do you typically focus on?

The interviewer may ask this question to understand your experience with environmental audits and how you prioritize the areas that need improvement. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of environmental regulations, as well as your ability to assess a company’s current practices and implement changes where necessary.

Example: “When performing an environmental audit, I typically focus on the following areas:

1. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations – this includes ensuring that all necessary permits are in place, as well as verifying that operations are being conducted in accordance with those permits.

2. Environmental management systems – this involves assessing whether the organization has established a system to identify, control, and monitor potential environmental impacts.

3. Pollution prevention and waste minimization – this entails evaluating the effectiveness of measures taken by the organization to reduce or eliminate pollution and waste.

4. Emergency preparedness and response – this requires assessing the organization’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency situation.

5. Occupational health and safety – this involves determining if adequate safety protocols are in place to protect employees from workplace hazards.”

11. We want to become a leader in environmental, health and safety management in our industry. What strategies would you use to help us achieve this goal?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can help a company achieve its goals. When answering this question, think about what steps you would take to make the company more successful in EHS management.

Example: “I understand that you want to become a leader in environmental, health and safety management in your industry. As an experienced EHS Manager, I believe I am the right person for this job.

My approach to helping you achieve this goal would be to first analyze current practices and identify areas of improvement. This could include reviewing existing policies and procedures, assessing employee training programs, and conducting risk assessments. Once these areas are identified, I would work with stakeholders to develop strategies to address them.

In addition, I would implement best practices from other industries and organizations that have achieved success in their EHS initiatives. This could involve researching case studies, benchmarking performance metrics, and attending conferences and seminars. Finally, I would ensure that all employees receive proper training on new policies and procedures, as well as provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.”

12. Describe your experience with risk management.

EHS managers must be able to assess risks and implement strategies for reducing them. Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience with risk management and how you apply it in the workplace. In your answer, describe a time when you used risk management to solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Example: “I have extensive experience in risk management, having worked as an EHS Manager for the past five years. My primary responsibility has been to identify and assess potential risks that could affect the safety of employees or the environment. I have developed a comprehensive system for identifying, assessing, and mitigating workplace hazards. This includes conducting regular inspections, developing emergency response plans, and implementing corrective action plans when necessary.

I also have experience with environmental compliance, ensuring that all operations are conducted in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. I am well-versed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and other relevant laws. I have successfully implemented programs to ensure compliance and reduce liability exposure.”

13. What makes you a good fit for this company?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and how it relates to the position. They want someone who can fit into their company culture, so they may also ask you questions about what you like about them or what attracted you to apply for the job. When preparing for this question, think about why you are a good fit for this role and what makes you excited about working at this company.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent fit for this company due to my extensive experience in the field of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) management. With over 10 years of experience in EHS management, I have developed a strong understanding of industry regulations, safety protocols, and risk assessment strategies. My background also includes developing and implementing successful EHS programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each organization.

In addition, I possess exceptional communication skills which allow me to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders including staff, customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies. This has enabled me to develop effective relationships with all parties involved and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Finally, I have a proven track record of success in leading teams and driving positive change within organizations. By leveraging my knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.”

14. Which industries or companies have you worked for in the past that are similar to our organization?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to their organization. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you’ve done research on the company and are excited to work there. When answering this question, try to mention industries or companies that are similar to the one you’re interviewing with.

Example: “I have extensive experience in the EHS field, having worked for a variety of industries and companies. Most recently, I was an EHS Manager at a large manufacturing company where I oversaw all aspects of safety, health, and environmental compliance. Prior to that, I held similar positions with two other organizations: a chemical production facility and a construction firm. In each role, I implemented comprehensive safety programs and ensured regulatory compliance.

My experience has given me a strong understanding of how to effectively manage EHS operations in various settings. I am confident that my knowledge and skills will be an asset to your organization as you strive to maintain a safe working environment.”

15. What do you think is the most important skill for an EHS manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a professional and determine if your skills align with what they’re looking for in an EHS manager. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about which skills have helped you succeed in previous roles.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for an EHS manager to have is strong leadership. An effective EHS manager needs to be able to lead their team and set a positive example in order to ensure that safety protocols are followed. They need to be able to motivate their team, provide clear direction and communication, and develop trust with their employees.

In addition, an EHS manager should also possess excellent problem-solving skills. They must be able to identify potential hazards, analyze risks, and come up with solutions to mitigate those risks. Finally, they must be organized and detail-oriented in order to keep track of all safety regulations and procedures.”

16. How often should environmental audits be performed?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of environmental audits and how often they should be performed. Use examples from your experience to explain the frequency of performing an audit in your previous role as an EHS manager.

Example: “Environmental audits should be performed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The frequency of the audits will depend on the size and complexity of the organization, as well as the nature of its operations. For example, an organization that operates in multiple states or countries may need to conduct more frequent audits than one operating in just one location. In addition, organizations that handle hazardous materials or have processes that could potentially cause significant environmental harm should also consider conducting more frequent audits. Generally speaking, I recommend performing environmental audits at least once per year, but this can vary depending on the specific needs of the organization.”

17. There is a new chemical on the market that could help employees complete their tasks more efficiently, but there is no research on its long-term effects on humans. Would you allow employees to use the chemical? Why or why not?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you would make a decision that could affect the company’s bottom line. Your answer should show your ability to weigh all factors and make an informed decision.

Example: “As an EHS Manager, I understand the importance of keeping employees safe and healthy. When it comes to introducing a new chemical into the workplace, I would take a cautious approach. Before allowing employees to use the chemical, I would ensure that all safety protocols are in place. This includes researching the potential long-term effects on humans, as well as conducting risk assessments to identify any potential hazards associated with its use.

If the research indicates that there is no significant risk to human health, then I would consider allowing employees to use the chemical. However, I would also make sure that proper training is provided so that employees know how to safely handle and dispose of the chemical. Finally, I would monitor the situation closely to ensure that the chemical is being used correctly and that no adverse effects are occurring.”

18. How do you ensure that employees are following safety protocols?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you ensure that employees are following safety protocols and procedures. Use your answer to highlight your ability to train, monitor and evaluate employee behavior.

Example: “I believe that the key to ensuring employees are following safety protocols is through education and communication. I always make sure that all of my employees have access to the necessary training materials, so they understand the importance of safety in the workplace. I also ensure that there is a clear line of communication between myself and the employees, so any questions or concerns can be addressed quickly. Finally, I strive to create an environment where safety is top priority and everyone feels comfortable speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. By creating a culture of safety, I am confident that my employees will follow the protocols set forth by the company.”

19. What experience do you have with conducting safety inspections in the workplace?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with conducting safety inspections in the workplace. This can help them understand how you might approach similar tasks as an EHS manager. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you conducted a safety inspection and what steps you took to ensure that employees were following all safety regulations.

Example: “I have extensive experience conducting safety inspections in the workplace. In my current role as an EHS Manager, I am responsible for leading and managing all aspects of safety inspection processes. This includes developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, training staff on proper safety protocols, and performing regular safety audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

I also have experience working with external auditors to conduct comprehensive safety reviews. During these reviews, I evaluate existing safety practices, identify areas of improvement, and develop corrective action plans to address any deficiencies. My experience has enabled me to gain a deep understanding of how to effectively manage safety issues in the workplace.”

20. Describe your approach to writing environmental, health and safety policies.

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you approach writing policies and procedures that ensure the safety of employees. Use your answer to highlight your ability to write clear, concise policies that are easy for employees to understand.

Example: “My approach to writing environmental, health and safety policies is rooted in my experience as an EHS Manager. I understand the importance of creating comprehensive policies that are tailored to each organization’s specific needs. My process begins with a thorough review of existing policies and regulations to ensure compliance. I then take into account any changes or updates that need to be made to keep up with current standards.

I also consider the unique hazards associated with the workplace, such as hazardous materials, machinery, and other potential risks. From there, I develop detailed procedures for identifying, assessing, controlling, and monitoring these hazards. Finally, I create clear and concise policies that outline the expectations for employees and management alike.”

21. How would you go about training new employees on our safety procedures?

EHS managers are responsible for training their employees on safety procedures and regulations. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to train others and ensure they’re following company policies. Use examples from previous experience in how you would go about this process.

Example: “I understand the importance of training new employees on safety procedures and I have a few strategies that I believe would be effective. First, I would create an onboarding program for all new hires that includes an overview of our safety policies and procedures. This would include topics such as proper use of personal protective equipment, hazardous material handling, emergency response protocols, and any other relevant information.

Next, I would provide hands-on training to ensure that each employee understands how to safely perform their job duties. This could include demonstrations, simulations, or even field trips to observe safe practices in action. Finally, I would make sure to schedule regular refresher courses to keep everyone up to date with the latest safety regulations and best practices.”

22. Have you ever had to investigate an accident or incident at a previous employer? If so, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your investigative skills and how you handle conflict. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific incident that you investigated thoroughly and the steps you took to ensure an accident or incident never happened again.

Example: “Yes, I have had to investigate an accident or incident at a previous employer. When investigating any kind of incident, my approach is always the same: first and foremost, ensure the safety of those involved and take appropriate steps to prevent further incidents from occurring.

I start by gathering all relevant information about the incident, such as witness statements, photos, videos, etc. Once I have gathered enough evidence, I conduct interviews with those involved in order to gain more insight into what happened. After that, I analyze the data and draw conclusions on what caused the incident and how it could be prevented in the future. Finally, I create a report detailing my findings and recommendations for corrective action.”

23. What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry and new regulations?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and have a passion for learning. They also want to see that you’re willing to put in the time to keep up with industry changes and regulations. Your answer should show that you are passionate about your field, eager to learn new things and ready to take on challenges.

Example: “Staying up-to-date on changes in the industry and new regulations is an essential part of my role as an EHS Manager. To ensure I am well informed, I use a variety of strategies to stay current.

I regularly attend conferences and seminars related to environmental health and safety topics. This allows me to network with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and developments. In addition, I read industry publications and follow relevant blogs to keep abreast of any new regulations or standards that may be implemented.

Furthermore, I have established relationships with key contacts at regulatory agencies so I can receive timely updates on any changes that could affect our operations. Finally, I make sure to participate in internal training sessions and workshops to ensure all staff are aware of the latest requirements.

By using these strategies, I am able to remain knowledgeable and proactive when it comes to staying up-to-date on changes in the industry and new regulations.”

24. Tell us about a time when you successfully identified potential hazards before they became an issue.

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to identify potential hazards and take action before they become a problem. Use examples from previous experience where you were able to recognize a hazard, implement preventative measures or resolve an issue before it became serious.

Example: “I recently worked as an EHS Manager at a large manufacturing facility. During my time there, I successfully identified potential hazards before they became an issue. One example was when I noticed that the employees were not wearing proper safety equipment while working with hazardous materials. After further investigation, I discovered that the company had not provided the necessary protective gear and training to ensure their safety.

I immediately took action by ordering the appropriate safety equipment and scheduling mandatory safety training sessions for all employees. This proactive approach ensured that the workers were properly protected from any potential hazards. As a result of this initiative, no accidents or injuries occurred during my tenure at the company.

This experience demonstrated my ability to identify potential hazards and take the necessary steps to prevent them from becoming an issue. It also showed my commitment to ensuring the safety of all employees in the workplace.”

25. Are there any innovative technologies or practices that you think could improve our current EHS management system?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your creativity and problem-solving skills. Your answer should include a specific example of how you would implement new technologies or practices to improve EHS management systems.

Example: “Yes, there are a number of innovative technologies and practices that I think could improve your current EHS management system. For example, I am familiar with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate certain processes such as hazard identification and risk assessment. This technology can help streamline operations and reduce the amount of time spent on manual tasks. In addition, I believe in using data-driven decision making to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. By leveraging existing data sources, it is possible to gain valuable insights into how safety performance can be improved. Finally, I am an advocate for utilizing mobile applications to ensure employees have access to relevant information at all times. With these tools, workers can quickly access safety protocols and guidelines from any location.”