Cannabis
Examples of safety hazards that can harm workers who grow, process, or sell cannabis (or cannabis products) include:
- Hazardous chemicals and substances
- Awkward postures, repetitive motion, and other physical stressors
- Confined spaces (e.g., tanks)
- Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
- Process machinery with dangerous moving mechanical parts
- Pressurized equipment
- Unsafe electrical systems (e.g., damaged cords and plugs)
- Equipment noise
Rules
- Agriculture (Chapter 296-307 WAC)
- All growers must follow the Agriculture rule. Some processors must follow the Agriculture rule if they are processing their own flower. This rule includes the Worker Protection Standard (pesticide safety) at Part I.
- Safety and Health Core Rules (Chapter 296-800 WAC)
- All employers in Washington State (except agriculture employers) must follow these rules.
- General Safety and Health Standards (Chapter 296-24 WAC)
- These rules provide safety direction for working with Flammables and Combustibles; Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases; and Fire Protection.
- Chemical Hazard Communication, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Chapter 296-901 WAC)
- These rules provide the requirements for working with hazardous chemicals including: handling, labeling, training, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Additional Requirements from Other Agencies
- Pesticides Allowed for Use on Cannabis (Washington State Dept. of Agriculture)
- Fire Marshal/Building Code Requirements for Processors (WAC 51-54A-3800)
Videos
- Don't Fall For It!: Ladder Safety (English/Spanish)
- Emergency Washing
Training Materials
Self-paced
- Common Sprains & Strains Hazards in Your Workplace and Some Solution Ideas (PowerPoint)
- Emergency Washing Equipment
- Eye Protection
- Hand Protection
- Ladder Safety - General Ladder Use (Powerpoint)
- Slips, Trips, and Falls - Module 1
- Slips, Trips, and Falls - Module 2
- Work-Related Asthma (PowerPoint)
For Groups
- Chemical hazard communication (Training Kit)
- Forklifts (Training Kit)
- Heat illness (Training Kit)
- Work-Related Asthma (PowerPoint)
- Respiratory protection (Training Kit)
Publications, Handouts, Checklists, Sample Programs
- Always Wear Eye Protection (FSP0-941-000) (sticker)
- Cannabis dust can cause occupational asthma (Hazard Alert)
- First Aid (FSP1-005-000) (sticker)
- Guide to Worker Safety and Health in the Marijuana Industry (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment)
- Heat-related Illness Education Card (F417-218-909) (English/Spanish)
- Protecting Workers from Harmful UV Exposures - A Guide for Indoor Cannabis Grow Operations: Employees (L&I SHIP)