Cannabis manufacturer to pay $14,502 fine after worker dies from inhaling cannabis dust
Dec. 28, 2022
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has agreed to pay a $14,502 fine to OSHA following the death of a manufacturing employee.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has agreed to pay a $14,502 fine to OSHA following the death of a manufacturing employee. As part of the agreement, Trulieve has until May 29, 2023, to conduct a study to determine whether “ground cannabis dust is required to be classified as a ‘hazardous chemical’ in the occupational setting.” The outcomes of this study might result in Trulieve creating a new program to train employees on the potential harm of ground cannabis and instruct them on what to do if they begin to experience an allergic reaction to the dust.
Trulieve may also have to take additional safety steps, including limiting employees’ access and exposure to ground cannabis and having more workers who are trained in first aid.
According to the Worcester Business Journal, the OSHA investigation began after Lorna McMurrey, a 27-year-old-employee at Trulieve, was taken to the hospital after inhaling ground cannabis and becoming unable to breathe. She later died at the hospital.
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.
