Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

What is WPS?

It’s a federal regulation designed to protect workers and pesticide handlers that work at agricultural establishments.

When does it apply to you?

If you use a WPS-labeled pesticide product.
If you employ agricultural workers or handlers (Directly or via labor contractor).
You own/operate an agricultural establishment producing agricultural plants.
You employ researchers who help produce agricultural plants.
You operate a business in which you (or people you employ):
a. Apply pesticides for production of agricultural plants or
b. Perform tasks as a crop advisor on any agricultural establishment
You are a pesticide handler who applies WPS-labeled pesticides on an agricultural establishment

Who is covered by WPS?

Agricultural workers

Employees that work producing agricultural plants in agricultural establishments.
They don't apply or handle pesticides.

Pesticide handlers

Employees that are not licensed applicators but perform pesticide-handling activities.
Examples: Mix, load and/or apply pesticides.

When is WPS training required?

Frequency

Employer must train their employees each year. (Every 12 months)

There is no grace period for WPS Training.

What type of trainers are approved?

Frequency

Certified applicators,
State/Tribal/federal approved trainers, and
Individuals who completed an EPA-approved Worker Protection Standard Train-The-Trainer (WPS-TTT) course and use EPA-approved training materials.

Outreach, speaking and training requests

We provide free pesticide safety outreach, speaking engagements and training sessions to a vast variety of audiences from schools to industry events. We work with local, regional and state educational, community-based organizations advocating for health and safety resources.

News and announcements

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