On January 11, 2022, OSHA began an inspection at your facility located at XXXXXXXXXXX, MA. The inspection revealed that employees in Flower Production were exposed to occupational quantities of whole and ground cannabis and were not provided effective information and training on the hazards involved in the cannabis production and grinding process. On January 7, 2022, an employee died of occupational asthma due to exposure to ground cannabis. Although this is a relatively new industry, research has shown that employees are at risk for developing occupational allergies to these plants.
These allergies may involve:
- the upper airway, e.g., congestion and/or irritation of the nose
- the skin, including irritation and/or hives
- asthma with cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath
OSHA notes that management of occupational allergies is difficult, as cessation, rather than reduction of exposure, is often necessary. After reviewing relevant facts pertaining to this case, OSHA will not issue Trulieve Holyoke Holdings LLC a citation at this time for not protecting employees from the hazards of exposure to ground cannabis, which is a hazard which would be addressed under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act. However, in the interest of workplace safety and health, I recommend that you voluntarily take reasonable steps to address the issue.
Feasible methods to protect employees from the hazards of cannabis exposure include, but are not limited to: