Worker Protection Standard

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the protection of agricultural workers. The standard aims to reduce the risk of pesticide poisoning and injury among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS offers protections to over 2 million agricultural workers who work in farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses.

History

The Worker Protection Standard was first implemented in 1992 by the EPA. The regulation was revised in 2015 to enhance the protections provided to agricultural workers, pesticide handlers, and other persons under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Provisions

The WPS includes several key provisions designed to protect agricultural workers. These include requirements for pesticide safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal protective equipment, restricted entry intervals after pesticide application, decontamination supplies, and emergency medical assistance.

Pesticide Safety Training

The WPS requires that agricultural workers and pesticide handlers receive annual training on how to work safely around pesticides. The training includes information on pesticide labels and instructions, how to protect oneself from exposures, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Notification of Pesticide Applications

Employers are required to notify workers about treated areas so they can avoid inadvertent exposures. Notification includes both posting and oral notification.

Personal Protective Equipment

The WPS requires that handlers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing, loading, and applying pesticides. The required PPE varies depending on the pesticide product and the type of exposure.

Restricted Entry Intervals

Restricted entry intervals (REIs) are the time immediately after a pesticide application when entry into the treated area is limited. The WPS requires employers to keep workers out of the treated areas during the REI.

Decontamination Supplies

Employers are required to provide workers and handlers with water, soap, and towels for routine washing and emergency decontamination.

Emergency Medical Assistance

If a worker or handler may have been poisoned or injured by a pesticide, the employer is required to make transportation available to take the person to a medical care facility.

See also

• Pesticide application
• Occupational safety and health
• Agricultural safety and health

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