When must pesticide safety training be provided to field workers?

Pesticide safety training must be provided to field workers before they are allowed to work in a treated field to ensure that they are fully aware of the risks associated with pesticide exposure and understand the necessary safety precautions. This timing is critical because it ensures that workers have the knowledge to recognize hazards, understand how to protect themselves, and know the procedures to follow in case of a pesticide-related incident.

Providing training before workers enter treated areas not only promotes their safety but also enhances compliance with California DPR regulations, which require that training be specific to the pesticides that will be encountered in the field. Adequate training prior to exposure helps minimize health risks to workers and contributes to a safer agricultural environment overall.