The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  WPS covers pesticides that are used in the production of agricultural plants on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. On November 2, 2015, EPA revised the WPS regulation to implement stronger protections for agricultural workers, handlers and their families. These revisions go into full effect on January 1, 2018.

The WPS requires that individuals take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide-related illness and injury if an individual uses these types of pesticides or employs workers or pesticide handlers who are exposed to these types of pesticides. 

If you are an agricultural pesticide user and/or an employer of agricultural workers or pesticide handlers, the WPS requires you to provide your employees information about pesticide exposure, to provide protection against pesticide exposure, and to provide ways to mitigate exposures to pesticide.

If you would like more information about the WPS program, contact Tammy Lark-Lognion, DPR Special Programs Coordinator.