What key requirement does the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) impose on employers regarding pesticide handling?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) establishes specific requirements to ensure the safety and health of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides. One of the fundamental obligations placed on employers is to inform and educate workers about pesticide hazards. This includes providing necessary training on the risks associated with pesticide exposure, proper working procedures to minimize these risks, and information about what to do in case of an exposure incident.

Employers are tasked with ensuring that workers understand the potential dangers linked to pesticides, how to recognize symptoms of exposure, and the safety measures that should be followed when working in areas where pesticides have been applied. This requirement is critical as it empowers workers to take necessary precautions, thereby reducing the likelihood of pesticide-related health issues.

Other options do not align with the primary goals of the WPS. While providing safety equipment is important, it is only one part of a broader education and safety program required by the WPS. Allowing workers to apply pesticides is generally not a requirement of the WPS; instead, it focuses on protecting workers who may come in contact with pesticides. Keeping pesticide information secret contradicts the foundational principles of the WPS, which aims to promote transparency to ensure worker safety.