Cal/OSHA Cannabis Industry Requirements
Cannabis Compliance is Bananas!
Don't Split on Worker Safety
Cannabis Compliance
is Bananas!
Don't Split on
Worker Safety
Cal/OSHA requires a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program IIPP with employee training on facility hazards etc. Business owners should delegate responsibility within the company to a safety manager, officer, or even a safety committee.
Report a Work Related Accident
Cal/OSHA requires that an employer immediately report worker injuries. Having a reporting procedure in place before something happens is extremely important.
Operators must maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals, safety data sheets associated with those chemicals, proper labeling of all chemicals and employee training on how to use the chemicals.
Cal/OSHA mandates that a facility have, at a minimum, an Emergency Evacuation Plan which can fit into a larger Emergency Action Plan. The Emergency Evacuation Plan maps exit routes to take in the event of an emergency. Employees must be trained on the plan through regular fire drills, and one employee must be accountable for head counts once everyone is evacuated. A more inclusive Emergency Action Plan includes workplace violence prevention and steps to take in the event of a live shooter.
It is helpful to have first aid readily available in your facility. Ideally there is at least one employee that is first aid certified on every shift.
Cal/OSHA outlines requirements for employee training, pesticide storage, signage, and record-keeping.
All personnel who are exposed to occupational noise levels equal to or exceeding an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA shall be included in a hearing conservation program.
Personal Safety Devices and Safeguards
Cal/OSHA outlines regulations on the use of respirators. If an employee is using a pesticide that requires wearing a respirator, the employee is legally required to use one and the employer is legally required to have a Respiratory Protection Plan. A plan is also required if an employee voluntarily chooses to use a respirator. The key elements of a Respiratory Protection Plan include a medical evaluation to determine if the employee is healthy enough to wear a respirator, proper fitting of the respirator and the proper storage and maintenance of the equipment. This includes knowing when cartridges reach the end of their usable life.
California employers are required to take these four steps to prevent heat illness:
- Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
- Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, or four 8 ounce glasses, of water per hour, and encourage them to do so.
- Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
- Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standards for High Heat Procedure
- Top 5 OSHA Infractions for Cannabis Businesses
- EPA’s Additional Worker Protection Standards
- Washington State WPS Requirements for Cannabis Employers
- Colorado State WPS Requirements for Cannabis Employers
- EPA WPS Checklists
- EPA WPS Pesticide Compliance Manual
- PERC WPS Pesticide Training Materials
- Workplace risks for Cannabis Operations
- Marijuana Workplace Hazards
This information is to be used as a general guide and is not a comprehensive list of all requirements that may apply to your business. Contact us for advice on regulations specific to your business.
