Tell me about a time when you had to identify and resolve issues or non-conformity during an inspection.

During an inspection at my previous job as a safety manager, I encountered a situation where a piece of equipment was not being used according to the safety guidelines. I immediately stopped the operation to ensure the safety of the employees. I gathered the team responsible for operating the equipment and explained the non-conformity and the potential risks involved. We discussed the correct procedures and retrained the team on the proper usage of the equipment. To prevent similar issues in the future, I revised the standard operating procedures and conducted regular follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.

During an inspection at my previous job as an environmental health and safety manager, I encountered a non-conformity with the storage of hazardous materials. I immediately stopped the operation and gathered the responsible employees to address the issue. I communicated the non-conformity and the potential risks to the team, emphasizing the importance of following proper storage procedures. I then worked closely with the team to reorganize the storage area, implementing clear labeling and segregation measures to ensure compliance. Additionally, I conducted a thorough review of the company's hazardous materials management procedures and updated them to align with regulatory requirements. This incident highlighted the significance of regular inspections and continuous training to maintain a safe work environment.

The solid answer provides specific details of a situation where the candidate identified and resolved a non-conformity during an inspection. It highlights their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, knowledge of legislation, and ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations. However, it could still be improved by discussing the impact of their actions and providing more context on the leadership abilities demonstrated.

During an inspection at my previous job as an environmental health and safety manager, I observed a significant non-conformity in the company's handling of hazardous waste. The waste storage area did not have proper containment measures, and some containers lacked accurate labeling. Recognizing the potential risks to employee safety and environmental impact, I immediately initiated a stop-work order to address the issues. I gathered the responsible employees and held a meeting to inform them about the non-conformities and the potential consequences. To resolve the issues, I formed a multi-disciplinary team consisting of representatives from operations, maintenance, and environmental services. Together, we developed an action plan to rectify the non-conformities and prevent future occurrences. I led the team in implementing proper containment measures, including the installation of secondary containment systems and the labeling of all containers as per regulatory requirements. I also conducted comprehensive training sessions for employees on hazardous waste management and reporting procedures. As a result of these efforts, the company achieved full compliance with environmental regulations and improved employee safety. This experience emphasized the importance of proactive inspections, effective communication, and strong leadership in maintaining a culture of safety and compliance.

The exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, knowledge of legislation, ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations, and exceptional leadership abilities. It includes specific details about the non-conformities, actions taken, and the impact of their efforts on the company's compliance and employee safety. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to work collaboratively and their commitment to ongoing training and improvement.