Who does the Worker Protection Standard for agricultural pesticides apply to?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides is designed to safeguard agricultural workers and handlers from the risks associated with pesticide exposure. It applies to any business that has at least one employee working in the production of agricultural plants. This is because the regulation aims to protect all individuals employed in environments where they may encounter pesticides, regardless of the size of the business.

This comprehensive approach ensures that even small agricultural operations, which may only have one employee, are subject to safety practices and requirements intended to minimize pesticide exposure and provide training about the risks and safety measures associated with chemical handling.

By including all businesses with at least one employee, the WPS enhances the protection of agricultural workers across various types of operations, ranging from large farms to small-scale agricultural enterprises. In this way, the standard promotes a safer agricultural workforce overall, acknowledging that any employee could be at risk of pesticide exposure.