Common Workplace Injuries in Cannabis Industry

If you’re new to working in the cannabis industry, the thought of being injured on the job might cause you to raise your eyebrows. How can you be injured while working with plants? Remember, the full range of cannabis jobs includes the individuals who work behind the counter of dispensaries, those who harvest, load, and ship the cannabis to its final destination, and those who stock shelves when it arrives.

Common Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp Workplace Injuries

Unfortunately, several workplace injuries can be sustained in a cannabis-related job, including:

Ergonomic Injuries

Muscle sprains, back injuries, and other types of bodily harm can result from mishandling large objects or not having the proper protections in place. When a cannabis cultivator spends the day unloading shipments, bending over for long periods, or restocking shelves while not using a tall enough ladder, this sets the stage for a workplace injury to occur. Most ergonomic injuries can be prevented with proper training and safety measures. Ergonomic safety is so frequently overlooked, yet so crucial to workplace safety, that the CDC has published a booklet on how to improve the handling of materials in the workplace.

Transportation Injuries

Many southern and Midwestern states still view the possession of cannabis as a legal offense. Because transportation of cannabis products is not highly regulated at this point and much of the equipment is not standardized, driving through state lines and federal checkpoints can be risky. Drivers are at risk for government seizure of cannabis products in states where it’s not legal. They are at risk for accidents on the road if the fear of the uncertain business of transporting cannabis causes them to drive recklessly to reach their destination.

Other Types of Injuries

While most workplace injuries in the cannabis industry involved accidents like falls or being hit by an object, there are also risks of skin burns and cuts, as well as a concerning number of eye injuries for those who work in cannabis cultivation. When a worker sustains an eye injury, the bill can cost him or her as much as $2,000 – which is an excellent reason to cut out the problem by investing in a good pair of safety glasses for yourself and for your employees.

Overall, the cannabis industry faces inherent risks like any other. The more safety measures put into place, the better off you and your employees will be. CannGen specializes in making sure your cannabis-related workplace is fully insured. Don’t delay thinking about your insurance options until you risk your first workplace injury related to transporting or working with cannabis.

About CannGen Insurance Services 

For more information about our comprehensive insurance solutions for the cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries, please visit our website at www.canngenins.com or email marketing@canngenins.com.