What is the Worker Protection Standard and who does it protect in Vermont?

• A. A local state regulation requiring only record-keeping
• B. A voluntary guideline for pesticide safety
• C. A federal OSHA-based standard protecting agricultural workers and handlers from pesticide exposure
• D. A code of conduct for pesticide vendors

Answer: (C)

The Worker Protection Standard is a federal rule designed to keep agricultural workers and pesticide handlers safe from exposure to pesticides. In Vermont, as in every state, it applies to people who work in fields or handle pesticides and requires protections such as training, ready access to decontamination supplies, and restrictions on entry to treated areas after application. It’s not a local record-keeping requirement, not a voluntary guideline, and not a vendor code of conduct. While the option describes it as an OSHA-based standard, the WPS is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under FIFRA and applies nationwide to protect workers from pesticide exposure.