What is the intent of the Worker Protection Standard?

The intent of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is fundamentally centered on safeguarding agricultural workers from pesticide exposure. This standard was established to minimize the risks associated with pesticide application and to ensure that those who work in agriculture are provided with essential information, training, and protections.

The WPS mandates practices such as providing information on pesticide safety, implementing proper protective equipment, and establishing restricted entry intervals after pesticide applications to reduce the chances of dangerous exposure. The overall goal is to promote safe work environments and enhance the health and safety of agricultural workers, recognizing that they are at a greater risk for pesticide-related illnesses due to their daily exposure during farming activities.

Other options focus on aspects that do not align with the primary goal of the WPS. For instance, promoting pesticide sales or encouraging pesticide use does not address the safety and health concerns of workers. Similarly, increasing agricultural output is a broader agricultural goal but not the specific focus of the WPS, which is primarily concerned with worker safety and not production efficiency.