Which groups are specifically protected under the Worker Protection Standard?

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a significant regulation aimed at ensuring the safety of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. This standard specifically protects those individuals who are at risk of exposure to pesticides while working in agricultural settings. Agricultural workers perform tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops, while pesticide handlers are those who mix, load, or apply pesticides.

The rationale behind focusing on these two groups is the heightened risk they face due to direct exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. The WPS provides clear requirements for training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety measures, ensuring that these workers can perform their jobs while minimizing health risks associated with pesticide exposure.

The other groups mentioned in the options, such as retail customers and the general public, do not have the same direct exposure to pesticides in the agricultural context as agricultural workers and pesticide handlers do. Access to clothing stores also does not relate to the protective measures implemented under the WPS, which is specifically tailored to the working conditions within agricultural environments.