HB 1863 - DIGEST

Declares that the purpose of this act is to protect Washington farm workers from highly toxic pesticides in the workplace.

Finds that: (1) Certain pesticides dispersed in Washington workplaces are highly toxic even in small amounts. Exposure to these pesticides may result in severe illness and may cause long-lasting effects;

(2) There are less toxic substitutes for many highly toxic pesticides;

(3) Principles of workplace safety support the substitution of less toxic materials or alternative practices, where available, in order to protect workers from exposure to highly toxic substances; and

(4) Principles of workplace safety should be applied to the handling and dispersed use of highly toxic pesticides by requiring substitution of less toxic substances or alternative practices, where available, and by promoting the development of alternative substances or practices in cases where they are not currently available.