Farmworker Perspective June 15, 2006 PPDC Workgroup on Worker Safety

Presentation Outline Post Application Worker Pesticide Handlers Expanded Coverage of WPS Procedural Protections Drift Photo © Alan Pogue

Post Application Worker Problem: Pesticide Training Inadequate 1 short training every five years Workers fail to understand pesticide dangers Worker don’t know how to protect themselves and families Workers don’t know their rights Workers don’t know where or to whom to report WPS violations Workers in non-agricultural industries get far more extensive training

Post Application Worker Recommendation Yearly training before beginning work Workers’ rights training Short and long-term health effects Expanded information on how to reduce exposure on the job and how to protect families and children Contact information Health, legal, state agency to file complaints

Post Application Worker Problem: Hazard Communication and Worker Notification Is Limited and Ineffective Don’t know the names of the pesticides used Don’t know the health effects (long and short term) Aren’t adequately warned about REI DRIFT-No information for off-site workers, family members, community members

Post Application Worker Recommendations Simple pesticide information sheet Name of pesticide REI Short and long-term health effects Date of when pesticide is used Communicated in a way worker will understand  Pictures  Language Basic Worker Training Detailed REI postings

Post Application Worker Problem: Early Entry Exception Recommendations: Strictly Limited Prohibit early reentry exceptions for hand labor involving direct contact with treated plants or surfaces

Post Application Worker Problem: “Take-Home” Exposure Recommendation: Area needed to change, wash and store work clothes Training and information HOW TO PROTECT FAMILIES

Pesticide Handler Problem: Protection from OPs and n- methyl carbamates insecticides Recommendation: National ChE monitoring program Washington, California Employers cover cost SLA investigates a 20% or more ChE depression

Pesticide Handlers Problem: Respirators Labels don’t specify when needed “Avoid breathing spray drift” Workers denied needed respiratory protection Not fit tested No medical evaluation questionnaire Photo © Alan Pogue

Pesticide Handler Recommendation: EPA=OSHA’s fit testing of respirators and medical evaluation Pesticide labels should clearly specify when respirators are needed

Pesticide Handler Recommendation: EPA=OSHA’s fit testing of respirators and medical evaluation Pesticide labels should clearly specify when respirators are needed

Pesticide Handler Recommendations: Showers and changing facilities Closed Mixing and Loading Systems Better Training and Information

Expand Coverage of WPS Problem: WPS is currently limited to farms, nurseries, green houses and forests Recommendation: Include lawn and landscape maintenance workers Livestock Agriculture

Procedural Protections Problems: Workers afraid to file complaints and investigations inadequate Recommendation: Anonymous complaints Timely investigations SLA keep record, identify repeat offenders

Drift Problem: Human Exposure Workers (on and off site), farmers, families Recommendations Labeling Training Buffers On-site survey