Who has ultimate responsibility for the safety of personnel on the incident scene?

The Incident Commander holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety of personnel on the incident scene because this individual is in charge of the overall management of the incident. The Incident Commander is responsible for establishing priorities, making critical decisions regarding resource allocation, and ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to while operations are underway. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the situation, effectively coordinating both personnel and resources to mitigate risks and protect everyone involved.

While other roles such as the Safety Officer and division/group officers have specific safety responsibilities and can provide guidance and oversight, the Incident Commander maintains the final authority and accountability for all actions taken during the incident response. This centralization of command is essential for effective decision-making and ensuring that safety remains a priority in a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment.