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Worker Safety

Overall Course Evaluation

University of California, Davis

COMMENTS

	As usual, an excellent, well put together course on WPS.
	Please continue to offer the PREP workgroups or any worker training/C&T to all states.
	We should have a PREP course in which a day is dedicated to the states to share their progress in areas of WPS such as training, REI, records, a demonstration of how people/states do their WPS control posting program. Also they should bring their materials such as inspection forms and other materials.
	Excellent course and overview.
	A PREP course should be suggested for region tribes, include all tribes of all regions, i.e., pesticide worker protection.
	Good overview for me, greatly appreciated and will take info back for improving program.
	As usual, Suzanne, Jennifer, Jody, Jim and John put on a quality program. Great job!
	As always, an excellent course, both personally and professionally. UC Davis staff provides for the comfort and needs of participants which enhances the overall experience. Speakers and session topics were excellent and timely. This course, as with other PREPS, provides for good productive interactions and discussion between states, regions and EPA HQ. This is the forum where you (as a state) can freely express frustrations, problems, etc. and also hear "the other side". I think it’s imperative that I all PREP courses, compliance and enforcement should be incorporated as it is an integral part of all programs/areas. Although resources are obviously an issue, I think it would be beneficial if states could be represented by both program person and a compliance person as they are woven together. The field trip was beneficial and applicable to the course topic. These not only provide real world experiences but also a break to the classroom. I liked the morning field trip, although missed the "perk" of afternoon trips (Al the Wops, Sonoma, etc.) This PREP program was wonderful as usual – you all do a great job!! Thank you.
	I would encourage the staff to look for ways to shorten the length of these PREPs. A weekend and a week are too long!

	Overall this course was extremely informative with regard to the merging of WPS/C&T. It was good to have a mix of field people with HQ people (EPA and states). Sometimes we forget the practicalities of the laws/rules we create as they relate to enforcement and real-world application.
	The UC Davis staff did an excellent job and conducted the PREP course in an extremely professional manner.
	Thanks UC Davis staff. Great job as always.
	The interaction with other states was very helpful. We got to ask questions on different issues to EPA and to other states.

Agenda seemed to be disjointed – not a good flow from topic to topic; speaker to speaker.

	Course structure was very good. I do not, however, think the group is at the point of implementing anything discussed. Future course should be arranged.
	Overall very progressive and informative PREP. Should meet two times per year. Groups should stay the same.
	Meals were great. I would love to be able to have time to play some golf when here.
	UC Davis staff was very helpful and attentive. Excellent hosts.

WHAT WERE THE STRENGTHS OF THIS COURSE? WHAT DID YOU VALUE MOST?

	I gained a wealth of information and value to the entire course.
	Presented many creative ideas and proposals.
	Data behind decisions presented. Science-based decisions presented.

	Great deal of discussion but didn’t see that it will change anything.
	The information presented o WPS was all very serious and pertinent issues all participants are facing. The idea of ways to solve these difficult issues from each state’s perspective is invaluable.

I thought the objectives of the field trip were mostly met but more could have been gained by smaller group participation.

	Having a seat at the table knowing that the states and EPA can sit at the same table.
	Interactions and experiences with other states, break out groups stimulated good discussions.
	Theory balanced with application.
	The people provided the strength – most diverse yet knowledgeable group I’ve ever known. Breakouts were most profitable.
	Provide a medium for an open discussion of different views and counterpoints.
	I liked the variety of topics, but their purpose relative to goals was not made clear.

HOW COULD THIS COURSE BE IMPROVED?

	This course could have been provided more time and specific state comments could have accented the issues and resolution/solution.
	Almost too much to absorb at one time – maybe break in smaller portions – address labels and uniformity C&T categories, REIs.
	Most sessions I think should include scenarios concerning the topic, get comment from audience to improve situations.
	Use thumbtacks or tape and wall rather than big Post It papers - wasted time. Overview of big picture up front rather than summary on last day.
	Tried to cram too much into one short course.
	Days are just too long. Trying to fit this much information, which is not exactly or always the most mind-stimulating, into three marathon class days results in important issues to be lost and absorbed.
	This course could have been made 1-2 days shorter by eliminating the second day and condensing the field trip. The second day course curriculum was too detailed thus causing many to lose interest.
	On the group breakout sessions, reports should be presented on a daily basis. Not sure all specific information is being captured.
	By limiting the longest presentation to one hour.
	Participation of handlers/workers in this course
	Folder should be arranged based on days.
	I would think that this program should be offered regularly. Other programs could model this type of format.
	Chairs could have been a little more comfortable.
	More focus relative to goals!! Make goals clearer. Worker Safety was not discussed as a future program direction. I came here thinking WPS. Worker safety is OK but it must be defined. Also, Kevin’s last day discussion should have been on the first day. It provided the direction for the workshop. Had a tough time figuring out the risk assessment on Monday. Didn’t seem to fit in. Too much. Seems like this pilot will be hard to repeat because it had such a unique focus (i.e., to help assist national process improvement.
	Breakout session reports should be directly after breakouts. Session to share state’s WPS resources and materials.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE HELP YOU IN YOUR JOB/CAREER?

	Established some great contacts and I hope to develop some better outreach material to obtain compliance.
	Continued enhancement of the Worker Safety Program and ensuring that it protects farm workers and others.
	Implementation of what I carry (authority to) into my program. Identify the pitfalls of implementation.
	It gave me a different perspective on how other states administer their WPS programs.
	Gives me a basis for protecting human health and the environment.
	I will be much better able to enforce WPS and educate both inspectors and the regulated community.
	Provide some insight into how risk assessment works.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE US OFFER?

	Regional workshop with SLAs re: state program needs.
	State presentations are always the best part of the program.
	Any PREP course at UC Davis will be excellent and worth the time away from the office.
	Label enforcement interpretation and problem states face when trying to enforce on vague or inconsistent language. Grants and grant writing/reporting as it relates to C&T and enforcement.
	More WPS analysis programs to feed info to EPA on a regular basis.
	A course that will further the combining of the Worker Safety Programs together.