What is the primary function of the incident safety officer?

The primary function of the incident safety officer is to assess risk and hazards during an incident response. This role is critical as it ensures the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. The safety officer is responsible for identifying potential dangers that may arise during rescue operations, including environmental hazards, structural integrity issues, and other safety concerns. By continuously monitoring and evaluating these risks, the safety officer can implement necessary safety measures, provide guidance, and make recommendations to the incident commander and the responding teams to mitigate risks.

This focus on risk assessment allows for a proactive approach in managing safety throughout the incident. The safety officer's work helps to establish a safer operational environment, ultimately protecting both responders and civilians. By prioritizing this assessment of hazards, the officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that rescues can proceed effectively and without undue harm to personnel involved.