What is the primary reason for identifying hazardous materials?

The primary reason for identifying hazardous materials is to protect public safety. Understanding which materials are hazardous allows for the implementation of appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental contamination. By recognizing the dangers associated with certain chemicals and materials, organizations can ensure that proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures are followed. This proactive approach helps in minimizing risks not only for workers who interact with these materials but also for the general public and the environment.

Legal compliance is an important aspect of hazardous materials management, but it fundamentally supports the broader goal of protecting people and the environment from harm. While increasing profit margins and enhancing product quality might be goals of a business, they do not directly relate to the crucial need to ensure that hazardous substances are identified and managed properly to mitigate risks to safety.