Q: Who is responsible for training scouts, applicators, etc. if they are provided by a co-op, seed dealer, or chemical dealer?

A:

Specifically, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture: “If a crop scout is hired (employed) by a co-op, it is the responsibility of the co-op, as the ag employer, to provide the necessary training on Worker Protection Standards (WPS). 

"If an agricultural establishment hires an independent crop advisor, it is the responsibility of the establishment owner (the ag employer in this case) to make sure the crop advisor has WPS training.  If an ag establishment hires a co-op employed crop advisor, it is the co-op’s responsibility to train the crop advisor."
 
A worker or handler who is a certified pesticide applicator has met the WPS training requirement.

Resources

For more information see:

• Nebraska Department of Agriculture Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which includes a brochure, Worker Protection Standard - Duties of Employers
• Nebraska Extension's Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (NebGuide G1219)
• UNL Pesticide Safety Education
• EPA Revisions to the Worker Protection Standard