What should be a critical consideration in system verification regarding safety protocols?

Establishing and following safety protocols prior to testing is crucial to ensure user safety. Safety protocols are essential for identifying potential risks and hazards that could arise during the operation or testing of a system. By implementing these protocols beforehand, system designers and testers can create a controlled environment that minimizes the chance of accidents or injuries.

Prioritizing safety not only protects users and operators but also helps in achieving compliance with industry standards and regulations, which often mandate specific safety measures. If safety protocols are reviewed only after deployment, it is too late to address potential issues, which could lead to harmful consequences. Safety procedures cannot be disregarded based on perceived system functionality, as a system may operate correctly but still pose risks without established safety measures. Furthermore, the idea that safety measures are unnecessary in smaller systems overlooks the fact that risks can still exist, regardless of the system's size or complexity.

Incorporating safety protocols from the beginning of the system verification process is a fundamental aspect of responsible system design and testing practices.