What safety measure is essential for environmental compliance in hazardous waste management?

The correct answer is environmental compliance audits, which are a crucial safety measure in hazardous waste management. These audits help organizations assess their compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards. By systematically reviewing practices, processes, and records related to hazardous waste management, audits identify potential areas for improvement and ensure that waste is managed safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, compliance audits ensure that an organization is meeting legal requirements, which reduces the risk of penalties and works to protect employee safety as well as environmental health. This proactive approach helps in developing best practices for waste management and fosters a culture of safety and accountability within the organization.

While options like personal protective equipment and training are important components of a safe working environment, they are part of operational safety rather than focused specifically on compliance aspects of hazardous waste management. Regular maintenance and training contribute positively to the overall safety culture but do not address the legal and regulatory oversight that audits achieve.