Who holds the ultimate responsibility for safety matters within a unit?

The Commanding Officer holds the ultimate responsibility for safety matters within a unit because this role encompasses overall leadership and accountability for the unit's mission and personnel. The Commanding Officer is tasked with ensuring that safety policies and procedures are implemented effectively and that all members of the unit are adhering to them. This includes the responsibility for evaluating the safety program, ensuring that training requirements are met, and fostering a culture of safety within the command.

While other roles, such as the Safety Officer, Executive Officer, and Safety Council Chair, play significant parts in promoting safety and managing specific aspects of safety programs, their responsibilities ultimately operate under the authority and oversight of the Commanding Officer. This structure ensures that accountability and decision-making related to safety are centralized, allowing for a coherent and effective approach to safety management within the unit.