Does the WPS Require Growers to Protect Themselves?
The Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and amended in 1995. It covers pesticides that are used in the production of agricultural plants on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. The WPS requires you to take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide-related illness and injury if you (1) use such pesticides, or (2) employ workers or pesticide handlers who are exposed to such pesticides. This fact sheet will help you understand how to comply with WPS requirements for protecting yourself and your immediate family. The questions answered here were submitted to the Agency by people seeking clarification on this part of the regulation. The questions and answers were released by EPA’s Office of Compliance on March 15, 1995. Are small agricultural establishments exempted from compliance with the Worker Protection Standard? No. Except for a partial exemption for owners and their immediate families (immediate f
