At a recent interview I was asked the question, If I were at a public meeting as an HSE manager for a local authority, how would I address the public concern when questioned over the negative press over 'Elf & Safety'

Is there a model answer for this? I have been asked this question in two recent interviews and it seems that LA's are nervous and the Jeremy Clarkson and the rest are getting to them!

My answer was around explaining the needs for a positive health and safety culture in the workplace and sensible risk management.
I went on to say that cutting conker trees down and forcing children to wear safety goggles to play conkers was rediculous and brought about by the over zealous and ill informed . The negativity destroys trust and prevents normal day to day activities like taking kids on outings and trips from happening which in turn damages society as a whole.

Honestly when I hear or read about this negativity it fires me up no end but I never thought that it would ever come up in an interview question.

I appreciate your response and I agree that education is the key. I am still looking for the model answer tho' in case it should be asked again in any other subsequent interviews!
Cheers