Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

Who is protected under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)?

1. Only workers within the agricultural establishment

2. Handlers and bystanders off the agricultural establishment

3. Workers and handlers on the agricultural establishment

4. Only bystanders during pesticide applications

The correct answer is: Workers and handlers on the agricultural establishment

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the potential risks associated with pesticide exposure. The standard applies to individuals who work on agricultural establishments, specifically those who are employed in the cultivation of plants or the handling of pesticides. Workers are those who perform tasks related to the cultivation and harvest of crops, while handlers are individuals who are involved in mixing, loading, applying, or disposing of pesticides. The WPS mandates specific training, safety measures, and protective equipment for both workers and handlers, ensuring they are informed about potential hazards and are equipped to minimize exposure risks. This choice highlights the comprehensive nature of the WPS, which extends its protective provisions to both groups directly engaged in agricultural practices. The other options either limit protection to only one group or fail to acknowledge the full scope of individuals who the WPS is intended to protect, thus clarifying why this choice is accurate in representing the WPS's purpose.