What is a significant disadvantage of having the training officer also serve as the Incident Safety Officer (ISO)?

Having the training officer also serve as the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) presents the significant disadvantage of multitasking, where one individual is responsible for multiple critical roles. When the training officer is simultaneously tasked with overseeing incident safety, they may become overwhelmed and unable to focus adequately on either duty. This can lead to a compromise in safety oversight and incident management effectiveness, as the ISO's primary responsibility is to ensure safety protocols are followed, while the training officer’s focus is often on skill development and educational aspects.

In stressful and dynamic incident environments, this divided attention can hinder the ISO’s ability to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement safety measures promptly. Effective incident management requires dedicated individuals in specific roles to ensure that safety is prioritized without the distraction of additional responsibilities that could take away from critical decision-making or situational awareness.