The Worker Protection Standard (WPS), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 40, Part 170, was created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and adopted as code in 1992. The purpose of WPS is to reduce the risk of occupational pesticide exposure to agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. Elements of WPS include requirements for pesticide safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal protective equipment, restricted-entry intervals after pesticide application, application exclusion zones, decontamination supplies, and emergency medical assistance. WPS covers workers and handlers employed on farms, forestry operations, nurseries and enclosed production areas, when pesticides that contain an Agricultural Use Requirement section that references WPS, are used on the establishment. The regulation requires that all UW-Madison faculty, staff, students or LTEs who will be doing field research, on Agricultural Research Stations, receive this training once a year.

Training: 

Certified applicators (Private or Commercial) or individuals who have gone through an EPA-approved “Train the Trainer” program can provide WPS training. Trainers must use EPA approved training materials and be present during the entire training. Training is required annually for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. For WPS training resources, click on the links below. 

Training Materials for Agricultural Workers

Training Materials for Pesticide Handlers

If you have any questions, please contact Kelley Kula at kelley.kula@wisc.edu or 608-890-0178.

Additional Resources: 

UW-Madison Environmental, Health & Safety Pesticide Use Webpage

Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative

EPA WPS Webpage

DATCP WPS Webpage

UW Pesticide Applicator Training Program WPS Webpage