Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

Overview:

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is intended to reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries among

• agriculture workers who may be exposed to pesticide residues while performing hand labor operations in fields treated with pesticides, but also to include workers in or on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses.
• pesticide handlers who may face more hazardous levels of exposure because they mix, load, apply or otherwise handle pesticides.

The WPS contains requirements for pesticide safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal protective equipment, restricted entry intervals following pesticide application, decontamination supplies, and emergency medical assistance.

Basic Elements of the Standard:

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final regulations governing the protection of employees on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses from occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides. The WPS covers both workers in areas treated with pesticides and employees who handle pesticides.

This 1992 Standard strengthens previous regulation to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who are occupationally exposed to pesticides. The revised regulations have exposure reduction measures that will reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.

Summary of WPS Requirements:

• Protection during applications--Handlers are prohibited from applying a pesticide in a way that will expose workers or other persons; workers are excluded from areas being treated with pesticides.
• Restricted-entry intervals (REIs)--REIs are established for all pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants, ranging from 4 to 72 hours, depending on toxicity. Workers are excluded from areas under an REI, with a few exceptions; watering is an example of an exception, but check for additional precautions.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)--PPE must be provided and maintained for handlers and early-entry workers. The PPE that is listed on the pesticide label must be worn.
• Notification of workers--Workers must be notified about treated areas so they may avoid inadvertent exposures.
• Decontamination supplies--Handlers and workers must have an ample supply of water, soap, and towels for routine washing and emergency decontamination as described in the "How to Comply" manual.
• Emergency assistance--Transportation must be made available to a medical care facility if a worker or handler may have been poisoned or injured. Information must be provided about the pesticide to which the person may have been exposed and that information must be provided to medical personnel.
• Pesticide safety training and safety posters--Training is required for all workers and handlers, and a pesticide safety poster must be displayed for these employees.
• Access to pesticide labeling and site specific information--Handlers and workers must be informed of pesticide label requirements and information in a language they understand. Central posting of recent pesticide applications made on the agricultural establishment (farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse) is required.

 

Other Worker Protection Standard Resources

• The Worker Protection Standard - EPA
• How to Comply Manual
• National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center

Videos

Worker Protection Standard for Nursery, Greenhouse and Vegetable Growers

Worker Protection Standard for Farmers

Last updated: March 26, 2008