By: Yuma ESD Staff
The health and safety of everyone is a priority for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. As an essential function, the agriculture industry continues to operate to bring food to Americans everywhere, even during these times of uncertainty due to COVID-19.
Ag employers must continue to provide their team members the necessary training to ensure worker and food safety. The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a state and federal regulation that requires persons who handle pesticides and those who work where pesticides are applied, be trained in pesticide safety on an annual basis.
The EPA recently released guidance on pesticide safety training requirements during COVID-19, as this training continues to be a requirement.
ESD inspectors recently monitored WPS training offered by Griffin Ranches, a grower in Gadsden, AZ. Griffin Ranches provided handler training to 13 employees inside their farm's shop, following CDC guidelines.
ESD encourages Ag employers to use a similar set-up and location when providing required EPA/AZDA Pesticide Safety Training.
If you or someone in your organization is interested in becoming a Pesticide Safety Trainer, please visit: https://agriculture.az.gov/trainingassistance/pesticide-safety-training/train-trainer-program.