Tell me about a time when you had to handle a safety incident or emergency involving surveying equipment or operations. How did you respond?

Sample answer to the question

I once had to handle a safety incident involving surveying equipment while working on a construction site. One day, a heavy storm hit the area unexpectedly, causing one of our surveying instruments to malfunction. The safety of our team members was at risk, so I immediately halted all operations and directed everyone to seek shelter. I quickly assessed the situation and realized that we needed to protect the equipment from further damage. I coordinated with the construction team to secure temporary coverings for the equipment until the storm passed. Once the storm subsided, I inspected the instrument and identified the issue. I contacted the manufacturer for assistance and arranged for the necessary repairs. Throughout the incident, I maintained clear communication with the team and provided regular updates to keep everyone informed and reassured.

A more solid answer

During a surveying project in a remote area, I encountered an emergency situation when one of our surveying instruments malfunctioned. It was crucial to handle the situation swiftly and ensure the safety of the team and equipment. Firstly, I instructed everyone to stop their activities and move to a safe location. I assessed the damages and identified that a power surge had caused the malfunction. Using my technical knowledge, I devised a temporary solution to protect the equipment until repairs could be made. I coordinated with the project manager to arrange for a backup instrument to continue the survey work. Simultaneously, I contacted the equipment manufacturer for troubleshooting guidance and discussed the issue with their support team. Once the manufacturer identified the root cause, I followed their instructions to conduct on-site repairs. Throughout the incident, I maintained open communication with the team, updating them regularly on the progress and the actions being taken to resolve the issue.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the incident and the candidate's response. It demonstrates their practical understanding of surveying methods by addressing the technical issue and their ability to handle emergency situations by swiftly addressing the safety and equipment concerns. The candidate's communication skills are showcased through their coordination with the project manager and the equipment manufacturer, as well as their regular updates to the team. Additionally, their problem-solving skills are highlighted by their ability to devise a temporary solution and follow technical guidance for repairs. However, the answer can be improved by providing more context on the project and emphasizing the impact of their actions on the overall project timeline and deliverables.

An exceptional answer

I encountered a safety incident during a surveying project near a busy highway. While conducting measurements, a passing vehicle lost control and crashed into one of our surveying instruments, rendering it inoperable. The safety of our team and the public became a top priority. I immediately called emergency services to ensure the well-being of the individuals involved in the accident. Simultaneously, I guided my team members to a safe location away from the damaged equipment. As the project manager, I informed the client and collaborated with them to set up traffic control measures to ensure the safety of the survey crew and passing motorists. I also documented the incident for insurance purposes and to support any potential legal actions. To minimize project delays, I quickly secured a replacement instrument from a nearby office and rearranged the survey schedule accordingly. I communicated the revised timeline with the project team, ensuring everyone was well-informed and aligned. After the completion of the project, I conducted a thorough investigation to identify measures that could enhance worker safety near busy roadways in the future.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing specific details about a safety incident involving surveying equipment near a busy highway. The candidate demonstrates their ability to handle emergency situations by immediately ensuring the safety of their team and collaborating with emergency services and clients to manage the situation effectively. Their strong communication skills are evident through their clear communication with the project team and documentation of the incident. The candidate's problem-solving skills are showcased through their quick response to secure a replacement instrument and rearrange the survey schedule to minimize project delays. Additionally, their emphasis on conducting a thorough investigation highlights their commitment to continuous improvement and worker safety. This answer provides a comprehensive and exemplary response to the question.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences involving safety incidents or emergencies during surveying operations. Consider the specific challenges faced, the actions taken to address the situation, and the outcomes achieved.
Review surveying best practices and safety guidelines to ensure a solid understanding of the necessary protocols in emergency situations.
Practice explaining the incident and your response in a clear and concise manner, focusing on the key details and skills highlighted in the job description.
Be prepared to discuss the measures you would take to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote a culture of safety within the surveying team.

What interviewers are evaluating

Practical understanding of surveying methods
Ability to handle emergency situations
Communication skills
Problem-solving skills