EPA proposes changes to worker protection standards

From SAF:

New regulations affecting flower and plant growers were announced Friday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it issued proposed revisions to the long-standing Agricultural Worker Protection Standards (WPS).

The EPA is proposing changes designed to increase worker training on the safe use of pesticides and expand protections from pesticide exposure for agricultural workers including those who work in greenhouses and nurseries.

Leading up to the standards’ release and publication in 1992, SAF, along with other industry organizations, played a major and very active role with the EPA to ensure the standards were practical and feasible for floral industry growers.

According to the EPA, the complete, proposed standards will be published in the Federal Register within the next 10 days.

With the help of growers across the country, SAF will review and analyze the standards and provide feedback to the EPA on how the revised regulations will affect the industry.

For additional information, look at the EPA’s Proposed Worker Protection Standards website or contact SAF’s Government Relations Department at 800-336-4743.