MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What does the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) address?

1. Pesticide distribution regulations

2. Pesticides used in agricultural plant production

3. Recordkeeping requirements for pesticide use

4. Protection measures for endangered species

The correct answer is: Pesticides used in agricultural plant production

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) specifically addresses the safety and health protections for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. Implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WPS aims to reduce the potential for pesticide exposure among workers in agricultural settings, ensuring that they can carry out their jobs safely. The focus on pesticides used in agricultural plant production highlights the importance of safe handling, application, and exposure thresholds for those working in farms, nurseries, and greenhouses. This includes requirements for training, proper use of personal protective equipment, and ensuring a safe environment for workers who are involved either in applying pesticides or in handling treated plants. In this context, while aspects like pesticide distribution regulations and recordkeeping are important for overall pesticide management, they do not fall under the specific purview of the WPS, which is dedicated to worker safety rather than regulatory compliance or species protection. The protection measures for endangered species are also separate and do not relate directly to the provisions set forth in the WPS, as this standard is fundamentally about safeguarding human health in the agricultural workforce.