Worker Protection Standard Handbook for Agricultural Employers as Revised in 2015 and 2024

What Owners and Employers Need to Know

Available in Spanish and English

This updated handbook is designed to help agricultural employers understand their responsibilities under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), as revised in 2015 and 2024. It is a companion, employer-focused handbook rather than another version of the full How to Comply manual. The handbook includes information related to current Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements as revised in 2024 and is designed to help readers better understand their responsibilities and apply the Worker Protection Standard in practice.

The updated handbook helps agricultural employers determine when the WPS applies to their operation and understand key responsibilities for protecting workers and handlers. It also addresses requirements related to pesticide safety training, central posting, decontamination supplies, emergency assistance, restricted-entry intervals, Application Exclusion Zones (AEZs), labor contractors, commercial pesticide handler employers, and other important WPS protections.

This updated handbook will help answer questions for agricultural employers including:

✔ Does the Worker Protection Standard apply to you?
✔ Which pesticide uses are not covered by the WPS?
✔ Are you and your immediate family members eligible for the exemption?
✔ What are my responsibilities as an agricultural employer?
✔ What are my responsibilities for highly toxic pesticides?
✔ What are my responsibilities for indoor fumigant applications?
✔ How do I comply with WPS when working with a labor contractor?
✔ How do I comply with WPS when working with an aerial applicator?
✔ Does the WPS apply to organic production?
✔ Where can I get help?