March 2024

Greetings! The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is kick-starting a new outreach endeavor for Worker Protection Standard (WPS). This newsletter will be sent out throughout the year on an as-needed basis. You have been signed up as a result of your email address being provided through a DATCP WPS inspection or have voluntarily signed up to receive WPS information provided by DATCP.

Review Your Worker Protection Standard Program

As the growing season approaches, it is time to review the Worker Protection Standard Program for your establishment. 

Central Location Information

• Check that your WPS safety poster includes the nearest emergency medical information and DATCP contact information:
  • Address: DATCP, 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718
  • Phone: (608) 224-4500
• Review that pesticide handlers and farm workers have access to pesticide product labels and SDS sheets.
• During the season, remember to post application records within 24 hours of application to be reviewed by pesticide handlers and farm workers.

Pesticide Safety Training Use an EPA-approved training video found on the PERC website. Train workers/handlers prior to any applications occurring. Keep records of the training occurring and retain for two years.

Decontamination Sites for Workers and Handlers

• Workers
  • Provide one gallon of water per worker at the beginning of the work period and replenish as necessary.
  • Provide soap and single-use towels.
• Handlers
  • Provide three gallons of water per handler at the beginning of the work period and replenish as necessary.
  • Provide soap and single-use towels.
  • Have a clean change of clothes per site.
• An eye flush system must be provided.
  • At mixing/loading sites, there must be an eyewash system that delivers running water for 15 minutes, OR six gallons of water.
  • During application, one pint of water per handler/applicator in a portable container (on-person or in application equipment) must be available.

Restrictions Before, During, and After Applications

• Check REI of products prior to use.
  
  • If using a dual notice pesticide, you must orally inform your employees and post at the site of application. 
  • If the REI is greater than 48 hours in outdoor production, you must post at the site of application. 
  • If the REI is less than or equal to 48 hours in outdoor production, you have the option to orally inform your employees or post at the site of application. 
  • If the REI is greater than four hours in an enclosed space production, you must post at the site of application.
  • If the REI is less than or equal to four hours in an enclosed space production, you have the option to orally inform your employees or post at the site of application. 

Personal Protective Equipment Ensure that PPE: Is clean and operational. Is worn/used correctly. Is inspected for damage before use. Implements measures to prevent heat-related illness. Respirators are evaluated before use. If respirators are to be used: Complete an annual medical evaluation and fit test. Keep the evaluation for two years. Inspect for damage. Replace after eight hours of use. Replace if excessive breathing resistance occurs. Replace if odor, taste, or irritation occurs. Wear appropriate respirator per product label.

Questions?

Contact Alyssa Foss, Worker Protection Standard Program Manager, at (608) 224-4547 or Alyssa.Foss@wisconsin.gov.

Contact your local Environmental Enforcement Specialist. You can find their contact information on DATCP’s webpage.

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