Safety bulletin warns workers of the hazards of ground cannabis dust

Worcester, MA — Workers in marijuana processing facilities must be informed about the hazards of exposure to ground cannabis dust, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission reminds employers in a recently published safety bulletin.

Ground cannabis dust can irritate the respiratory system and exposed skin. Massachusetts recently updated various workplace safety expectations for the industry in response to the 2022 death of a Holyoke processing facility employee that was linked to occupational asthma.

The bulletin is intended to “improve workplace health and safety at marijuana processing facilities and broadly across the legal industry.” Among its recommendations:

• Evaluate safety and health risks, including skin and respiratory sensitization by an allergen associated with ground cannabis dust.
• Identify appropriate engineering (such as local exhaust ventilation) and/or administrative (such as processes for limiting worker exposure) controls.
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and respiratory protection, to protect employees.
• Provide medical management to workers with symptoms.

The commission also reminds employers of their obligations to evaluate the hazards of chemicals they produce and comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200). This includes making all Safety Data Sheets available.

The bulletin also clarifies that all licensees who process marijuana have a separate obligation to ensure the safety of workers and that all marijuana establishments and medical marijuana treatment centers in the state follow the commission’s regulations requiring written workplace safety and health standard operating procedures.

In February, the state’s Department of Public Health issued a similar bulletin that advises licensees in the legal marijuana industry about new safety and sanitary standards for processing the leaves and flowers of female marijuana plants.