Cannabis Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Over Worker Safety After Fatal Incidents
The tragic death of Lorna McMurrey, a worker at a Massachusetts marijuana manufacturing facility owned by Trulieve Cannabis Corp., has spotlighted serious health risks in the cannabis industry, particularly exposure to **ground cannabis dust**.
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McMurrey’s fatal asthma attack in January 2022 was attributed to inhaling this dust, which regulators now recognize as a **hazardous chemical** for employees.
**Regulatory Response**
In the wake of McMurrey’s death and a subsequent fatality at a Green Thumb Industries facility in Illinois, both federal and state regulators have intensified their focus on workplace safety in the cannabis industry. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued updated guidance to protect workers, including:
1. **Engineering Controls**
- Implementing local exhaust ventilation to reduce airborne cannabis dust.
2. **Administrative Controls**
- Limiting employee exposure during shifts.
3. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**
- Mandating proper PPE to mitigate inhalation and skin exposure risks.
4. **Safety Data Sheets (SDS)**
- Classifying ground cannabis dust as a hazardous chemical and providing SDS to inform workers and customers about potential hazards.
5. **Emergency Preparedness**
- Developing protocols to manage medical emergencies on-site.
**OSHA Enforcement and Industry Accountability**
Following McMurrey's death, OSHA fined Trulieve Cannabis Corp. $15,000 for failing to address the risks of cannabis dust. The company later paid an additional $350,000 fine to Massachusetts regulators. OSHA has since increased inspections across the cannabis industry, citing multiple companies for failing to evaluate and classify cannabis dust as hazardous.
**Worker Health Risks**
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cannabis dust exposure can cause:
- Respiratory issues, including asthma exacerbation.
- Skin and respiratory sensitization due to allergenic compounds in cannabis.
- Long-term health impacts if safety protocols are not enforced.
McMurrey’s death was the first documented fatality in the U.S. linked to cannabis dust exposure, but other incidents, such as the Illinois case, suggest this is not an isolated issue.
**Union and Family Advocacy**
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has called for more robust oversight and stricter safety measures in the cannabis industry. Meanwhile, McMurrey’s family has filed wrongful death lawsuits against Trulieve, citing the company’s negligence in addressing known workplace hazards.
**Implications for the Cannabis Industry**
These incidents and the subsequent regulatory actions highlight a growing need for the cannabis industry to prioritize worker safety. Companies are now urged to:
- Conduct comprehensive hazard assessments.
- Invest in advanced air filtration and ventilation systems.
- Train employees on safety protocols and the proper use of PPE.
**Looking Ahead**
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, safety standards must evolve to address unique workplace hazards. The increased regulatory scrutiny and tragic deaths underscore the importance of worker health in building a sustainable and ethical industry. Companies failing to comply with these standards risk legal and reputational consequences, but more importantly, the safety of their employees.
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