SAIF partners with Oregon State University to host courses on new pesticide standards

Oregon State University is offering a series of free trainings statewide in preparation for a new pesticide standard going into effect next year by the Environmental Protection Agency. The courses will qualify participants to train both pesticide workers and handlers. SAIF will be hosting the first two events.

The newly revised Worker Protection Standard (WPS) goes into effect on January 2, 2017. The WPS covers pesticides used in the outdoor and enclosed space production of plants on farms, forests, and nurseries, as well as greenhouses.

Part of the standard requires agricultural workers and pesticide handlers to be trained annually by qualified WPS trainers. The course offered by Oregon State University, which will be available in eight locations, will be a "train-the-trainer" format, qualifying attendees to provide the required training to workers. This course is the only way to become qualified to train pesticide handlers without a pesticide applicator license.

Certified pesticide applicators and consultants who complete the training will receive four core credits and two general credits.

SAIF will host trainings on Thursday, December 8 in Salem and Thursday, December 15 in Eugene. Oregon State will offer additional courses running through March in Wilsonville, Hood River, Central Point, Klamath Falls, Ontario, and Pendleton. All trainings will run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; registration is required.

For more information about the courses, including registration details, visit http://ipmnet.org/Tim/WPS_Train/WPSTrain.htm. Registration preference will be given for those who will be able to train the largest amount of pesticide handlers and pesticide workers.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit, state-chartered workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914 it has been caring for injured workers and helping to make workplaces safer. For more, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com