Department of Pesticide Regulation

WORKER PROTECTION OUTREACH DOCUMENTS

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has developed the attached outreach documents that will be distributed to all county agricultural commissioners (CACs) in the next few weeks. The first document, "It's as simple as PPE (Please Protect Employees)," addresses handler protection and the second document, "What to say before you spray," addresses notification, display and posting requirements associated with field worker safety. These outreach tools are designed to improve compliance with Worker Protection Standard requirements. DPR is recommending that CAC staff provide a copy of these outreach documents to growers with handler and/or fieldworker employees at the time they are issued restricted material permits or operator identification numbers.

The third attachment is a redesigned version of the outreach document, "Pesticide Safety: It's the Law." It is intended to inform employers of their legal liability for safety violations. DPR recommends that this document be provided to employers when safety related noncompliances are noted on inspections. See enforcement letter ENF 02-029.

You will be receiving copies of all three outreach documents either through the mail or by your Senior Pesticide Use Specialist liaison. These documents will also be posted on the DPR Web site. We encourage you to use them to improve upon our compliance assistance outreach efforts.

If you have any questions, please contact your Senior Pesticide Use Specialist liaison.

cc:  Mr. Daniel J. Merkley, Agricultural Commissioner Liaison (w/Attachments)