Workplace Safety Requirements (Federal OSHA Rules)
Federal workplace safety laws apply to every dispensary, regardless of size or license status. Cannabis businesses must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards even though cannabis remains federally illegal.
Safety violations can result in inspections, citations, fines, or corrective orders.
What This Covers
- General workplace hazard requirements
- Employee training obligations
- Chemical and hazardous material handling
- OSHA recordkeeping and postings
- Enforcement authority
General Safety Requirements
Employers must maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards.
- Prevent slips, trips, and falls
- Keep exits clear and unblocked
- Maintain safe shelving and storage
- Prevent unsafe stacking or overcrowding of products
- Address hazards promptly when identified
Employee Training
Employees must be trained on workplace safety.
- Safe use of equipment and tools
- Emergency procedures and evacuation
- Injury and illness prevention
- Hazard awareness related to job duties
Training must be appropriate to the employee’s role.
Chemical and Hazardous Material Safety
Rules apply to common retail supplies and materials.
- Store cleaning chemicals, alcohol, batteries, and hazardous materials safely
- Label all hazardous chemicals properly
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous products
- Ensure SDS are accessible to employees at all times
Improper storage or missing SDS is a violation.
Records and Postings
OSHA requires certain records and notices.
- Maintain required OSHA logs if reporting thresholds are met
- Record work-related injuries and illnesses when required
- Post OSHA-required notices where employees can easily see them
Enforcement and Oversight
Identifies the enforcing authority.
- Enforcement agency: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- OSHA may conduct inspections and issue citations or penalties
What Operators Usually Miss
- Retail environments are still subject to OSHA rules
- SDS access is mandatory, not optional
- Blocked exits and storage hazards are common violations
When This Comes Up
- Daily operations
- Employee onboarding and training
- Safety complaints or incidents
- OSHA inspections
What Happens If You Ignore This
- OSHA citations and fines
- Mandatory corrective actions
- Increased inspection frequency
- Operational disruptions
Related Pages
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