What is a key action for responders during a safety briefing prior to a high-angle rescue?

In the context of high-angle rescue operations, a key action for responders during a safety briefing is to confirm that safety harnesses are worn properly. This is crucial because high-angle situations often involve significant vertical heights where the risk of falling is high. Properly fitted harnesses are essential for ensuring the safety and security of responders as they navigate these challenging environments.

If safety harnesses are not worn correctly, responders can face serious injury or even fatal incidents. Therefore, verifying that each team member's harness is properly secured not only protects individuals but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the rescue operation.

Other elements like functioning communication equipment, checking weather reports, and reviewing the Emergency Action Plan are indeed important for operational effectiveness and safety. However, without ensuring that personal safety gear like harnesses is correctly fitted, all other preparations could be rendered ineffective in the face of an emergency. Ensuring proper harness use directly addresses the immediate personal safety of responders in the high-angle environment.