As part of a Fed-OSHA regional emphasis program on Colorado’s legal cannabis industry, field officers of the workplace safety agency recently highlighted the dangers of dust and allergens, which can cause respiratory distress and other health problems for workers in the industry.
The Jan. 14 webinar, which brought together experts from OSHA, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the University of Colorado Boulder, aimed to educate businesses involved in cannabis processing, growing, cultivating, and product manufacturing.
Over the past seven years, OSHA’s Denver and Inglewood offices have conducted 44 inspections of cannabis facilities, citing employers primarily for failing to communicate workplace hazards or implement adequate safety measures.
The Main Risk: Dust, Mold, and Allergens
A major concern for cannabis industry workers is exposure to bioaerosols — airborne organic compounds such as mold spores and plant dust.
University of Colorado researcher Tess Eidem, a former cannabis industry worker, emphasized that cultivation and processing facilities can generate high levels of these allergens, which may lead to respiratory issues and skin irritation.
She said that ventilation systems can spread those allergens and dust. During processing and packaging of cannabis, workers may breathe in finely ground flower or pre-roll joints, the dust of trichomes, or airborne trim material. Additionally, mold spores and protein levels can be high in these facilities.
A survey of flower technicians in Massachusetts found that 40% experienced respiratory or skin irritation. Another study in Washington State linked cannabis dust exposure to workplace asthma, with 33% of workers reporting symptoms.
Employer Responsibilities
With a better understanding of what allergens are present in cannabis facilities and how to mitigate them, industry operators can more effectively guard against workplace hazards.
OSHA industrial hygienist Jason Furlow stressed that employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment.
Safety Measures
- Provide respirators to workers.
- Improve facility ventilation systems.
- Provide UV eye protection in areas where grow lights are used.
- Reassign vulnerable workers to reduce exposure.
OSHA Will Continue Its Monitoring Through 2029
Regulatory challenges
OSHA faces challenges due to the federal prohibition of cannabis. Andrew Levinson, director of OSHA’s Directorate of Standards and Guidance, acknowledged that the agency’s role is complicated by conflicting state and federal laws, the latter under which it remains illegal.
Labor unions last year urged the Biden administration to end federal marijuana prohibition, which would allow OSHA to establish a national workplace safety standard. Advocates suggest using California’s cannabis safety regulations as a model for nationwide standards.
OSHA’s cannabis local emphasis program will continue monitoring hazards in the Colorado industry through 2029. Employers found violating safety regulations could face fines of up to $16,000 per violation, with willful or repeated violations exceeding $160,000. Companies failing to correct workplace hazards may incur additional penalties of $16,000.