Region 8
Protecting Agricultural Workers
National Information
Regional Information
EPA has implemented the Worker Protection Standard to prevent and mitigate the exposure of agricultural workers to pesticides. The standard provides for the notification of pesticide applications, restricted entry intervals for treated fields, and pesticide safety training for field workers and pesticide handlers. Additionally, the standard outlines the use of appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, decontamination sites, and emergency transportation. The standard applies to pesticides used in farming, forestry, nursery or greenhouse operations where employees may be exposed.
Complete Worker Protection Standard regulatory requirements are available on the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs' Health and Safety page. Additional information on compliance can be found on EPA's Worker Protection Standard Compliance Monitoring Program page.
Human Exposure
If someone has swallowed or inhaled a pesticide, or been exposed in the eyes or on the skin:
- Call 911 if the person in unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having convulsions.
- Check the label for directions on how to give appropriate first aid.
- Call the Poison Control Center toll free at 800-222-1222 for help with first aid information.
- The National Pesticide Information Center (800-858-7378 toll free) also can provide information about pesticide products and their toxicity.
- EPA's handbooks, Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisoning/Reconocimiento y Manejo de los Envenenamientos por Pesticidas, provide information about symptoms and treatment for poisoning from specific pesticides.
For further information or assistance, contact the Region 8 Worker Protection Standard program managers:
303-312-6044 FAX
Suzanne Stevenson (stevenson.suzanne.epa.gov)
303-312-6030
Kristen Keteles (keteles.kristen@epa.gov)
Pesticide Toxicologist
303-312-6039
In Montana contact:
406-457-5000
406-457-5055 FAX