In American and Canadian film-making, the key grip is the chief grip on the set. Like a foreman, the key grip directs a crew of grips, some with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, camera car operators, etc. The key grip is sometimes credited as the first company grip.
In Australia and New Zealand the key grip generally owns the grip equipment, often consisting of dollies, track, cranes, camera cars and insert trailers.
Additionally, the key grip is frequently the safety monitor of the film set, responsible for safety of all personnel in the presence of theatrical ballistics, pyrotechnics, stunts, and any other potentially dangerous situations and devices operated by other departments. If someone working in one of these areas gets hurt under the key grip's supervision, the key grip is fully responsible and liable.
