Is training required for pesticide handlers under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)?

Training is indeed required for pesticide handlers under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The WPS mandates that employers provide appropriate training to pesticide handlers to ensure that they understand the potential hazards associated with the pesticides they may be exposed to. This training encompasses essential information regarding safe handling practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, and how to minimize exposure to pesticides.

The requirement for training is critical for protecting the health and safety of workers who apply pesticides or may come into contact with them. Such training ensures that workers are informed about the risks they face and the precautions they must take to mitigate those risks, promoting a safer working environment overall.

While certain situations or specific types of pesticides might necessitate additional training, the general requirement for pesticide handler training under the WPS applies broadly, reinforcing the necessity of comprehensive education on handling pesticides safely.