The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to the Worker
Protection Standard in order to protect farm workers and their families from
pesticide exposure.

EPA is proposing significant improvements to worker training regarding the safe
usage of pesticides, including how to prevent and effectively treat pesticide
exposure. Increased training and signage will inform farm workers about the
protections they are afforded under the law and will help them protect
themselves and their families from pesticide exposure.

Workers and others near treated fields will now be protected from pesticide
overspray and fumes. In addition, EPA has proposed that children under 16 be
legally barred from handling all pesticides, with an exemption for family
farms. These revisions protect workers while ensuring agricultural productivity
and preserving the traditions of family farms.

Proposed changes to the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) include:

• - Increased frequency of mandatory trainings (from once every five years to annually) to inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law, including restrictions on entering pesticide-treated fields and surrounding areas, decontamination supplies, access to information and use of personal protective equipment. Expanded trainings will include instructions to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides on work clothing and other safety topics.


• - Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides; the signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated fields until residues decline to a safe level.


• - First time-ever minimum age requirement: Children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms.


• - No-entry buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields will protect workers and others from exposure from pesticide overspray and fumes.


• - Measures to improve the states' ability to enforce compliance including requiring employers to keep records of application-specific pesticide information as well as farmworker training and early-entry notification for two years.


• - Personal Protection Equipment (respirator use) must be consistent with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards for ensuring respirators are providing protection, including fit test, medical evaluation, and training.


• - Make available to farm workers or their advocates (including medical personnel) information specific to the pesticide application, including the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheets.

Further Information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Environmental Protection