Changes to Worker-Protection Standards Regulations

October 5, 2016


A number of significant changes to the federal Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS) will go into effect on January 2, 2017. These changes will affect farms, greenhouses, nurseries, forests, and other establishments (including organic establishments) on which pesticides are used in the production of agricultural crops.

If you use, supervise the use, or are responsible for the use of pesticides on such establishments, the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) invites you to attend a WPS Mock Inspection on the morning of October 5th at Dickman Farms, 13 Archie Street, Auburn, NY. NYSDEC staff will be on hand to explain the rule changes and how to comply with them.

Check-in is from 9:30 to 10:00, with training to follow from 10:00 to noon. Attendees who are certified to apply pesticides in Categories 1A, 1D, 10, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 will earn 2 recertification credits. (Remember to bring your NYS pesticide certification photo ID card.)

To register, please send an e-mail to PesticideCompliance@dec.ny.gov. If currently certified in New York as a pesticide applicator or commercial technician, include your Certification ID Number.

You can find additional information about changes to the WPS on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard.