9.9 Worker Protection
EPA finalized Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for Agricultural Pesticides in August 1992. The regulations govern the protection of employees on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses from occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides. The standards cover both workers in areas treated with pesticides, and employees who handle (mix, load, apply, etc.) pesticides for use in these areas. As the national organization of the lead state pesticide regulatory agencies, NASDA supports the underlying goals of the WPS — the protection of farmworkers — and believes that the continuation of a strong education and information campaign is needed.
EPA made several changes to the WPS. The agency should continue to review the regulations to determine if additional changes are necessary to ensure proper implementation of the program. Such changes should increase worker protection while streamlining the regulations placed on agricultural producers and employers."
Any contemplated changes in risk assessment which might limit uses due to concerns over pesticide exposure to workers and handlers should be given an opportunity for debate in an open forum. Worker exposure risk assessments should not be added to the "risk cup" but should be handled via separate risk reduction measures already in place under FIFRA prior to FQPA. Extensive education and training programs are already underway throughout the United States to address worker exposure from pesticides.