Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Workplace Wellness • Functional Capacity Evaluation • Return-to-Work

Biological Hazards

Term from Occupational Health industry explained for recruiters

Biological Hazards refers to potentially harmful substances that come from living things, like bacteria, viruses, mold, or other organisms that could make workers sick. This term is commonly used in workplace safety and healthcare settings. Safety professionals focus on protecting workers from these hazards through proper procedures, protective equipment, and training. You might see this term used interchangeably with "biohazards" or "biological risks" in job descriptions and resumes. It's a key concept in occupational health, especially in healthcare, laboratory, waste management, and food processing industries.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented Biological Hazards training programs for healthcare staff

Conducted risk assessments for Biohazards in laboratory settings

Created safety protocols to protect workers from Biological Hazards in food processing facilities

Typical job title: "Biological Safety Officers"

Also try searching for:

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Biosafety Officer Environmental Health and Safety Manager Industrial Hygienist Safety Compliance Officer Workplace Safety Specialist Health and Safety Coordinator

Where to Find Biological Safety Officers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a comprehensive biological hazard control program for a large healthcare facility?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover risk assessment, policy development, staff training, monitoring procedures, and emergency response planning. They should mention experience with managing teams and coordinating with different departments.

Q: Tell me about a time you had to manage a serious biological exposure incident.

Expected Answer: Look for candidates who can explain their emergency response leadership, how they coordinated with medical professionals, documented the incident, and implemented preventive measures afterward.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when selecting personal protective equipment for biological hazards?

Expected Answer: They should discuss assessing risk levels, types of exposure, comfort and practicality for workers, cost effectiveness, and compliance with safety standards.

Q: How do you conduct a biological hazard risk assessment?

Expected Answer: Look for knowledge of identifying hazards, evaluating exposure risks, considering control measures, and documenting findings in a clear, practical way.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main categories of biological hazards in the workplace?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain different types: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other potentially infectious materials.

Q: What does the biohazard symbol mean and when should it be used?

Expected Answer: Should explain the universal biohazard warning symbol, its importance for workplace safety, and common locations where it must be displayed.