Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training

According to the EPA, the “Worker Protection Standard (WPS) aims to reduce pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS offers occupational protections to over 2 million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments.” Purdue is no exception. All individuals that work in paid status at Purdue University must take training if working in greenhouses and growth rooms. Training is administered through Environmental Health and Safety on campus, but EHS allows departments to render training if trainers are WPS certified trainers.  Nathan Deppe can render training for you if you plan to work at the HLA Plant Growth Facility, Plant Growth Chamber Center, or Purdue Student Farm. 

So how does this work?

1. If you plan to work in facilities/farm listed above, please access this link and watch the WPS training video. 
2. Once viewed, send Nathan Deppe an email with:  Your Name, Date Viewed, and the EPA Approval Number of Training Video.
3. Once received, you will be asked to meet Nathan at his office to have a brief discussion. (1139 B Horticulture Greenhouse Building).  Keep in mind that this can take several days to one week.
4. After a quick discussion, you will be WPS certified (Handler Status).  This training is required annually.
5. At this time, you may receive key card access to HGRH if needed.  Please visit this link to request, and select "Yes, I have already completed my WPS training" in the appropriate field.  If no access to HGRH is requested, please proceed to #6.
6. Lastly, set a reminder to retake training annually if you plan to continue working at the HLA Plant Growth Facility and need to maintain key card access. Nathan has no mechanism to notify you to retake training at this time.