"What does this mean?"

• Can they demonstrate a knowledge of the most basic terms, ideas and tools?

"What happens when….?"

• Do they know how things operate?
• Do they know what happens in different situations?

"What would you do if….?"

• What is their judgment like?
• Is this the person you want operating your equipment or vehicles? …representing your company to the public?

"Show me how you would…..?"

• Can they demonstrate how to do a task?
• Do they have the physical abilities to do the specific tasks that the job requires?

"What are some of the safety hazards (health hazards) that occur in this job?"

• Have they received appropriate safety training before? And if so, did it sink in?
• Are they aware of what can go wrong? Can they spot hazards -- and avoid them?

"Describe any workplace accidents in which you were involved."

• Are they honest about their safety record?
• If they were involved in any accidents, did they learn from them?

"If I were to contact your former employer(s), how would they describe your job performance?"

• Do they act at all worried about what the former employer might tell you?

"Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Would they pose a risk of violence or theft in your workplace?