What is the role of commanders in relation to Army safety policies?

The role of commanders in relation to Army safety policies is fundamentally about ensuring the safety and well-being of their soldiers and maintaining a high-quality safety program within their units. Commanders bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety of their soldiers, which encompasses not only compliance with existing safety regulations but also the cultivation of a proactive safety culture.

This responsibility involves various aspects, including assessing risks, implementing safety protocols, and fostering an environment where safety is a priority. An effective safety program requires a holistic approach, where commanders take the lead in establishing policies and procedures, ensuring that they are understood and followed by all personnel. They must also promote safety awareness and be attentive to the specific circumstances and challenges that their soldiers face in various environments, both in training and operational settings.

In contrast, while training personnel in safety measures, approving inspections, and conducting audits are important tasks, they are often parts of a broader framework managed under the commander’s oversight. The commander's overarching responsibility is to ensure that these elements are effectively integrated into a comprehensive safety program that safeguards soldiers and enhances unit readiness. This holistic view emphasizes the commander's leadership role in safety matters.