Worker Protection Standards Changes Coming in 2017

The federal Worker Protection Standards will go through some changes once January 2^nd hits.

But there is good news for Washington growers according to WSDA’s Joel Kangiser.

“The state of Washington’s had in place a number of restrictions that EPA has now just come up to. There’s a few new things that growers need to be aware of but as far as many of the federal rules go and many of the new requirements on the federal side we’re already at that standard.”

New rules that Washington producers need to be aware of include training workers and handlers every year as opposed to every five years, restricted areas around pesticide applications, posting safety information on pesticides and much more.

There are many more that Washington growers are already likely adhering to, but Kangiser said they are also available.

“For this first year, assuming there’s not any imminent danger going on, these new requirements, we provide a lot of technical assistance. We really try to help growers understand what the new requirements are and how they comply.”

You can get more information by calling the WSDA's compliance hotline at 360-902-2040.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.