The deployment of a safety officer on-site is essential whenever there is a risk to personnel. This principle underlines the proactive role of an Incident Safety Officer in safeguarding the health and safety of all responders and personnel involved in an incident. Recognizing potential hazards and managing risks is a fundamental responsibility of the safety officer, not limited to scenarios perceived as large-scale or only when specifically requested by others in command.
Having a safety officer present allows for continuous monitoring of the incident scene, early identification of potential dangers, and the implementation of safety protocols to mitigate those risks. This proactive approach ensures that safety measures are not an afterthought but an integrated part of the incident management process, promoting a culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals on the site, regardless of the scale or nature of the incident.
While large-scale incidents may necessitate more significant attention, risks are always present in any situation, thereby justifying the need for safety oversight at all times when personnel are involved. Routine checks also play a role in maintaining safety standards, but the presence of a safety officer should specifically correlate with active risks rather than being limited to predetermined schedules or only following a formal request from the incident commander.