Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

Training workers and handlers, and the agricultural employers who hire them, is the foundation of the WPS program. For questions or to order any of the materials referenced below, send an email to: wpspesticides@dep.nj.gov.

Specific WPS requirements for New Jersey are described in Subchapter 12  of the NJ Pesticide Control Regulations.

Agricultural WPS Regulation Comparison Chart

This Comparison Chart is intended to provide compliance support to our Agricultural Community, helping them to ensure safe handling of pesticides for their workers and for nearby populations. This chart along with other supplemental guidance documents is intended to offer simplicity of text by outlining the changes for individuals regulated under both New Jersey WPS and recently updated Federal WPS Regulations. As New Jersey WPS Regulations are currently being revised, this chart will act as a living document subject to change pending public comment during the State’s WPS revision period (the present through 2019).

Date

Compliance
As of January 2, 2017 Compliance is required with MOST of the revised Federal WPS regulation, except those that take effect in 2018 and where NJDEP requirements are more stringent.
January 2, 2018 Compliance is required with ALL of the revised WPS requirements

  • Including new content on pesticide safety information display
  • Covering new content in worker and handler training
  • Suspension of applications by handlers if anyone is in the application exclusion zone
Quick Links to WPS Info:  

 
Other Agricultural Links:  

 

Train-The-Trainer Information

Before training workers or handlers, you must first be recognized as a trainer. To qualify for  trainer recognition, you must meet one of the following criteria: be a licensed pesticide applicator; be currently qualified as a trainer by the EPA in another jurisdiction recognized by New Jersey; or have completed an approved train-the-trainer program.

The Application for Worker Protection Trainer Recognition/Agreement  must be filled out, signed, and returned to this office in order for you to receive a trainer certificate. This must be done prior to conducting training in New Jersey. The WPS Unit can also provide information for ordering training materials and supplies upon request.

Training rosters, which must be completed with information from training sessions, and submitted to this office, can be downloaded here:

Worker Training Roster Handler Training Roster

The Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Approval Process & Criteria document, can be downloaded here:

Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Approval Process & Criteria

The EPA Guidance for Train – The- Trainers, can be downloaded here:

EPA Guidance for Train – The- Trainers

Worker Protection Materials

Pesticide fact sheets and worker handbooks are available for agricultural employers and their employees in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:30, Subchapter 12, Agricultural Worker Protection, to comply with the federal Worker Protection Standard. These materials must be provided to new employees as well as to all employees as part of their annual refresher training. Fact sheets provide chemical and common names, symptoms of poisoning, short and long-term health hazards, personal protective equipment and practices, re-entry times, target crops for specific chemicals and emergency assistance.

Protect Yourself from Pesticides , A Guide for Agricultural Workers and Handlers, BPC. This handbook provides general safety information concerning pesticides.

English versions of the pesticide fact sheets available for download:

Fact Sheets

Acetanilides Dithiocarbamates
Captan Organophosphates
Carbamates Synthetic Pyrethroids
Chlorothalonil Triazines