During an incident, who has the responsibility to ensure safety measures are followed?

The responsibility to ensure safety measures are followed falls to the Safety Officer. The role of the Safety Officer is specifically designated to oversee and enforce safety protocols during an incident or emergency response. This individual is tasked with continuously assessing potential hazards, ensuring that protective measures are in place, and making recommendations to mitigate risks to all personnel on the scene.

While the Incident Commander plays a crucial role in overall scene management and decision-making, it is the Safety Officer's primary duty to focus on safety considerations. The presence of all responders in the context of safety is important, as everyone should maintain situational awareness and adhere to established safety guidelines. However, it is the Safety Officer who is formally accountable for monitoring and ensuring compliance with safety standards throughout the operation. The designated spokesperson, on the other hand, is responsible for communication and media relations, which does not involve direct safety oversight.