Example response for question delving into Employee Resistance, Non-compliance with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  Understanding the root cause: I would first try to understand the reasons behind the resistance or non-compliance. This could involve conducting interviews, surveys, or observations to identify any underlying issues
•  Effective communication: I would emphasize the importance of safety procedures and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Clear and consistent communication through training sessions, meetings, and written materials would be essential
•  Employee involvement & empowerment: I would involve employees in the development and review of safety procedures to ensure their input and buy-in. Empowering employees to take ownership of safety by providing them with the necessary resources and support would also be crucial
•  Training & education: I would provide comprehensive training on safety procedures, including the rationale behind them and the potential risks associated with non-compliance. Regular refresher courses and ongoing education would be implemented
•  Positive reinforcement & recognition: I would establish a system to recognize and reward employees who consistently follow safety procedures. This could include incentives, public recognition, or performance evaluations that incorporate safety compliance
•  Addressing concerns & providing support: I would create an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns or challenges related to safety procedures. Addressing these concerns promptly and providing necessary support would be a priority
•  Enforcement & consequences: While the focus would be on proactive measures, I would also establish clear consequences for repeated non-compliance with safety procedures. This could involve disciplinary actions, retraining, or even termination if necessary
•  Continuous improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating safety procedures based on feedback, incident analysis, and industry best practices would be essential. This would ensure that procedures remain relevant, effective, and aligned with changing operational needs

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Leadership skills: Ability to effectively handle and resolve employee resistance or non-compliance with safety procedures
•  Problem-solving abilities: Capability to identify underlying reasons for non-compliance and develop appropriate solutions
•  Communication skills: Capacity to communicate and influence employees to adhere to safety procedures
•  Conflict resolution skills: Capability to address conflicts arising from resistance or non-compliance and find mutually beneficial resolutions

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Blaming employees: Avoid blaming employees for resistance or non-compliance as it shows a lack of understanding and empathy towards their concerns
•  Lack of communication skills: Poor communication skills can be a red flag as it indicates difficulties in effectively conveying safety procedures and addressing employee concerns
•  Inflexibility: Being inflexible in handling resistance or non-compliance may indicate an inability to adapt to different situations and find effective solutions
•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Inability to demonstrate problem-solving skills may raise concerns about the candidate's ability to address and resolve employee resistance or non-compliance effectively

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Safety Manager in Operations function. View details for the Safety Manager here

• Can you describe your experience in developing and implementing safety policies and procedures?
• How do you ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards?
• Can you describe your experience in conducting safety audits and inspections?
• How do you ensure that safety equipment and tools are properly maintained and inspected?
• Can you provide an example of a safety program you have successfully implemented?
• What strategies do you use to promote a safety culture within an organization?
• How do you stay updated on the latest safety regulations and best practices?
• Can you describe your experience in conducting safety training sessions?
• What metrics or indicators do you use to measure the effectiveness of safety programs?
• What steps do you take to ensure emergency preparedness and response?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully resolved a safety-related issue?
• What strategies do you use to motivate employees to prioritize safety?
• Can you describe your experience in conducting incident investigations?
• What steps do you take to identify and assess potential safety hazards in the workplace?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to handle a safety-related conflict or disagreement?
• How do you train employees on safety procedures and protocols?
• What measures do you take to investigate and report workplace accidents or incidents?
• How do you communicate safety-related information to employees and management?
• How do you ensure that safety records and documentation are accurate and up-to-date?