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Getting the Word Out
EPA is continuing to explore ways of "getting the word out" to workers, pesticide handlers, and their employers about the requirements of the Worker Protection Standard. The population that the WPS is aimed at protecting is diverse and often highly mobile. Reaching them requires the use of multiple languages, channels of information, and organizational networks. Recent efforts include:- EPA has developed basic pesticide safety materials in a colloborative
effort with states and industry, and supported widescale training in
pesticide safety. For example, the National Farm Worker Environmental
Education Program run by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs
(AFOP) in partnership with the AmeriCorps Community Service Program
is the largest national pesticide safety education program for farmworkers
in the nation. In 1996, AFOP trained over 45,000 farm workers on pesticide
safety in 12 states across the country.
- EPA has worked with the Hispanic Radio Network to develop and broadcast
ten WPS safety information programs, reaching 120 market areas nationwide.
Radio Pesticida seeks to increase farmworker knowledge of the Worker
Protection Standard and pesticide safety. AFOP has produced five Spanish
novella-style radio mini-dramas. Public service announcements and call-in
talk shows at two pilot sites are also part of the package, funded by
the EPA.
- A workshop held in April 1998 launched a new initiative to improve
the ability of health care professionals to recognize, diagnose, manage,
and prevent adverse health effects from pesticide exposures. For more
information, see Pesticides and
National Strategies for Health Care Providers.
- EPA has sponsored the development of a workbook on pesticide safety for students to use in English as a Second Language courses. Created by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, the ESL for Farm Safety explains basic pesticide hazards and safe practices. (See Resources for ordering information.)
If you have ideas for getting the word out, please drop us a line.