What is the primary function of an ISO?

The primary function of an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is to identify hazards present at an incident scene. This role is crucial in ensuring the safety of all personnel involved, as recognizing potential dangers allows for the implementation of appropriate safety measures and protocols. By identifying hazards, the ISO can assess risks associated with the environment, operations, and tasks being performed, thereby establishing a safer operational framework.

While isolating risks, reducing injuries, and providing safety expertise are all important aspects of incident management, they are secondary to the core responsibility of hazard identification. Understanding what hazards exist is the first step in mitigating their effects, guiding the strategic approach for managing the incident safely and effectively. By systematically identifying hazards, the ISO can subsequently implement measures to isolate or minimize those risks, enhance safety protocols, and advise the incident command on best practices, ultimately aiming to reduce injuries and ensure personnel well-being.