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Major Safety Violations At Cannabis Manufacturer Location

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2019 | Workplace Injury |

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As the marijuana industry continues to expand, it seems that some cannabis product manufacturers have a long way to go before they are up to appropriate workplace standards. We have learned that Cal/OSHA cited one cannabis manufacturer in December for “multiple serious safety violations following an explosion that seriously injured a worker.”

The incident in question happened earlier in the year at Future2 Labs Health Services. He was working alone inside of a 128-square-foot storage container using propane. This process helps extract the oil from cannabis leaves. Unfortunately, the propane ignited, causing an explosion that badly burned the worker. The violations discovered will leave you wondering if the employee has secured a San Diego work injury attorney yet.

As with all major workplace accidents in California, Cal/OSHA investigated and found that the employer did not test the atmosphere inside of the container before allowing the worker inside to do his job. Cal/OSHA cited the company with 10 workplace violations and fined them for $50,470.

What Can Happen

In the case above, the major violations were the employer’s failure to:

  • Protect workers around flammable vapors
  • Identify hazards and provide personal protective equipment
  • Maintain equipment in a safe operating room

If we look at the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, we see that there were around 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses for the latest reporting year. Most of these injuries and illnesses are preventable.

In the case above, we see that the employer was clearly not doing their job. Their failure led to an immediate incident, something clearly noticeable. That is how many workplace accidents unfold. They have immediate and traumatic consequences.

However, there are many workplace injuries and illnesses that are not visible right away. These include things like repetitive stress injuries, mental health illnesses, and chronic conditions like cancer and COPD. Just because they are not visible does not mean that they did not happen due to poor workplace conditions.

It is absolutely vital that employers provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees. This includes:

  • Ensuring that all workers are properly trained to do their jobs.
  • Each employee has the safety equipment needed to perform their job.
  • All safety codes and regulations are followed.

Time for Help

If you have been injured at work and are not sure what to do next, that is okay. These incidents can be confusing. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we can provide you with a free consultation to explore the best path forward for you and your family. Our qualified and experienced team will sit with you and learn about the specifics of your case. Then we will get to work on securing the compensation you need for all of your injury or illness expenses. This can include coverage of medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, as well as punitive damages. When you need a San Diego work injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.

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