National Technical Reports Library

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Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HHE-2015-0111-3271, April 2017. Evaluation of Potential Hazards during Harvesting and Processing Cannabis at an Outdoor Organic Farm.

PB2017102188

Publication Date	2017
Personal Author	Couch, J.; Victory, K.; Lowe, B.; Burton, N. C.; Green, B. J.; Nayak, A.; Lemons, A. R.; Beezhold, D.
Page Count	38
Abstract	The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
Keywords	Agricultural workers Musculoskeletal system disorders (MSD) Microorganisms Agricultural products Agricultural industry Agriculture Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Repetitive stress Repetitive work Cumulative trauma Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) Hand injuries Extremities Dermal exposures Dermal absorption Ergonomics Bacteria Bacterial dusts Endotoxins Allergies Protective clothing Personal protective equipment Training Gloves Health Hazard Evaluation Report
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	92A - Job Training & Career Development 57K - Microbiology 98C - Agricultural Equipment, Facilities, & Operations 57A - Anatomy 95G - Protective Equipment
Corporate Authors	National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201715

Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HHE-2015-0111-3271, April 2017. Evaluation of Potential Hazards during Harvesting and Processing Cannabis at an Outdoor Organic Farm.

Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HHE-2015-0111-3271, April 2017. Evaluation of Potential Hazards during Harvesting and Processing Cannabis at an Outdoor Organic Farm.
PB2017102188

Publication Date	2017
Personal Author	Couch, J.; Victory, K.; Lowe, B.; Burton, N. C.; Green, B. J.; Nayak, A.; Lemons, A. R.; Beezhold, D.
Page Count	38
Abstract	The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a union representative to evaluate potential hazards associated with harvesting and processing cannabis at an outdoor organic farm. We evaluated ergonomic, chemical, and microbial hazards and conducted medical interviews with employees about their health concerns. Although employees did not report any work-related health problems, we identified some exposures and conditions that could affect employee health. If hand trimming tasks are performed for longer periods than we observed, the repetitive hand motions would create a risk for hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis, was detected on all surface wipe samples collected (cannabis processing areas and on hand trimming scissor blades). This indicates the potential for dermal and ingestion exposures. However, the health implications from occupational exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol are unknown. Air samples indicated that Botrytis cinerea, a plant pathogen, was the main fungal species, while actinobacteria, common soil bacteria, was the most frequently identified bacterial phyla. Airborne exposure to actinobacteria and fungus like Botrytis cinerea can increase the risk of allergic and respiratory symptoms. Air samples for endotoxins were all below the occupational exposure limit. We also found that employees used latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions. Glove use was required for some tasks. NIOSH investigators recommended (1) changing procedures and improving tools to reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders, (2) developing a cleaning schedule for work and tool surfaces, (3) training employees on tool cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and maintenance, and (4) wearing nonlatex gloves when handling cannabis, cannabis products, or equipment that contacts cannabis.
Keywords	Agricultural workers Musculoskeletal system disorders (MSD) Microorganisms Agricultural products Agricultural industry Agriculture Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Repetitive stress Repetitive work Cumulative trauma Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) Hand injuries Extremities Dermal exposures Dermal absorption Ergonomics Bacteria Bacterial dusts Endotoxins Allergies Protective clothing Personal protective equipment Training Gloves Health Hazard Evaluation Report
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTIS Subject Category	92A - Job Training & Career Development 57K - Microbiology 98C - Agricultural Equipment, Facilities, & Operations 57A - Anatomy 95G - Protective Equipment
Corporate Authors	National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201715