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The Worker Protection Standard

The Worker Protection Standard. -An Update- See the “How to Comply” manual for more information. Background on WPS. Fully implemented in 1994. Designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from exposure to pesticides.

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The Worker Protection Standard

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  1. The Worker Protection Standard -An Update- See the “How to Comply” manual for more information.

  2. Background on WPS • Fully implemented in 1994. • Designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from exposure to pesticides. • Employers required to provide protections for their employees. • Covers all herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, etc., uses on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses.

  3. The “How to Comply” Manual • All persons who employ agricultural workers should obtain and read HTC. • You can download a free copy from the Extension Service’s Pesticide webpage: aragriculture.org/pesticides

  4. Key Points of WPS • Information at “central location” • Safety training • Personal protective equipment (PPE) • Decontamination supplies • Notification • Emergency assistance • Information exchange between commercial applicators and agricultural employers

  5. Information at Central Location • Safety poster • Information about nearest medical facility • Pesticide application records • Product name • EPA registration number • Location and description of treated area • Time, date and REI of application • Keep records posted for 30 days after REI and keep on file for at least 2 years.

  6. Pesticide Safety Training • Certified applicators may train their own employees (required every 5 years). • Must use EPA approved materials and answer questions. Recommended: Michigan State/EPA video available from gemplers.com • May be trained as workers or handlers (usually handlers in Arkansas).

  7. Safety Training cont. • Extension Service, Americorp, and approved trainers can provide training, but it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure it is done. • It is a requirement that handlers must be trained before any handling task. It is advised to train workers before they start any work too.

  8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Employers must provide and maintain PPE. • They must make sure it is worn, cleaned, and inspected each day before use. • Employers must take steps to prevent heat illness with their employees. • Employers must provide pesticide-free area for putting on and removing PPE.

  9. Decontamination • Within 1/4 mile of all workers and handlers. • Enough water for routine and emergency washing. • Soap and single-use towels. • Clean coveralls (for handlers). • Handlers must have supplies when removing ppe. • Must be at mixing, loading site.

  10. Notification of Workers • Orally warn workers and post treated areas if label requires (for most pesticides you have a choice of the method). • Tell workers which method is in effect. • Post all greenhouse applications. • Must have EPA approved sign when posting. • Remove signs within 3 days after REI expires.

  11. Information Exchange • Commercial applicators must provide certain info. to agricultural employers: • Location and description of treated area. • Time and date of application. • Product name, EPA reg. #, active ingredient, and REI. • Type of notification required. • Any other safety requirements from label.

  12. Information Exchange cont. • Agricultural employers must provide info. to commercial applicators: • Location and description of treated areas on establishment where pesticides will be applied or an REI is in effect while commercial applicator’s employees are on the establishment. • Restrictions on entering those areas.

  13. Emergency Assistance • Employer must provide when employees may have been poisoned or injured by pesticides. • Prompt transportation to medical facility. • Provide info. (product, EPA reg. #, active ingredient, etc.) to victim and medical personnel.

  14. Exemptions for Family Farms • Agricultural owners do not have to provide the following for their family members: • Information at central location • Safety training • Decontamination sites • Emergency assistance • Notification • Provide, clean, and maintain PPE (PPE specified on the label must still be worn)

  15. If you are an agricultural employer: • Download a copy of the WPS How To Comply Manual. • It has the details to help you stay in compliance. • The potential liabilities for an employer that doesn’t follow the WPS are huge. • Download it here: aragriculture.org/pesticides

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