MSU offers outreach sessions for updated Worker Protection Standards

The Federal Worker Protection Standards (WPS) protects agricultural workers and pesticide handlers by reducing the risks of injury or illness resulting from contact with pesticides on farms and in forests, nurseries and greenhouses.

WPS requirements are intended to inform workers and handlers about pesticide safety, provide protections from potential exposure to pesticides, and mitigate exposures that do occur.

In order to provide stronger protections for the nation’s two million agricultural workers and their families, the standards have been revised. Compliance with the new requirements begins Jan. 2, 2017.

These meetings, offered by Michigan State University Extension, are for assisting greenhouse operations to help understand and comply with the revisions to WPS. Participants will receive a flash drive containing the EPA How to Comply Manual, Worker training videos in English and Spanish Languages and other materials available at the time of the meeting.

The registration fee for the session is $25.

There is a cancellation fee of $10 for any participant that cancels within five days of the session.
Sessions:

West Olive - Oct. 10, 2016
1 - 4 p.m.
Ottawa County Filmore Administration Building
12220 Fillmore St.
West Olive, MI 49460

Kalamazoo - Oct. 12, 2016
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kalamazoo County MSU Extension Office
3299 Gull Rd.
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Clarksville - Jan. 10, 2017
1 – 4 p.m.
MSU Clarksville Station
9302 Portland Rd.
Clarksville, MI 48815

Benton Harbor - Jan. 24, 2014
1 – 4 p.m.
MSU Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center
1791 Hillandale Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

New Era - Jan. 31, 2017
1 - 4 p.m.
New Era Reformed Church
4774 1st Street
New Era, MI 49446

Traverse City - Feb. 17, 2017
1 – 4 p.m.
MSU Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station
686 S. Center Highway
Traverse City, MI 49684