Who is responsible for ensuring safety within the ICS framework?

The Safety Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring safety within the Incident Command System (ICS) framework. This position is dedicated specifically to identifying and mitigating hazards, working to protect the health and safety of all personnel involved in the incident response. The Safety Officer develops safety plans, monitors compliance with safety protocols, and has the authority to stop unsafe operations to prevent accidents and injuries.

While other positions, like the Incident Commander and Operations Chief, certainly have responsibilities for safety within their operational contexts, the Safety Officer is specifically tasked with this function and has direct oversight of safety matters, ensuring a focused and specialized approach to maintaining a safe working environment during incidents. The Planning Section Chief mainly concentrates on information management and resource allocation, rather than direct safety concerns.