How to prepare for an interview with OSHA

Is OSHA trying to interview your employees?

Want to make sure that they are prepared?

Here are some tips to help get them ready:


1) Make them comfortable with the interview process. Employees should not feel pressure to give a specific answer or decline an interview.


2) Review the rules on what OSHA can and can’t ask them to do (ex.: no requirement for video, audio, or written statements)


3) Review important documents, policies, and procedures to refresh recollection. Nerves can make anyone forgetful during an interview.


4) Prepare HOW to answer questions (not WHAT to say):
* Always tell the truth.
* Listen to the question, and only answer what you have been asked.
* Base answers on firsthand knowledge, don’t speculate about what someone else may know.
* If asked about something you don’t know or can’t remember, say so. Don’t guess.
* If OSHA asks questions about a document, ask to see the document first. Don’t answer a question until you know exactly what the question is referring to.


Remember:


Prepared employees will be more comfortable with the interview process.


The more comfortable the employee, the smoother the interview.