Who is responsible for ensuring a machine operates correctly and safely?

The responsibility for ensuring a machine operates correctly and safely primarily falls on the operators. Operators are the individuals who directly interact with the machinery on a daily basis; they are trained to understand the machine's controls, functions, and safety protocols. They conduct pre-operational checks, monitor the machine's performance during operation, and are often the first to recognize any issues or malfunctions.

While engineers may design machines to be safe and efficient, and designers create specifications and schematics, it is the operators who implement these designs in real-world scenarios. Quality inspectors play a critical role in maintaining standards but do not typically engage with the machines in the same hands-on way as operators. Therefore, the operator's knowledge and attention are vital for the ongoing safe operation of machinery.