Hash Oil Manufacturer Fined $50K After Worker Burned in Explosion

Friday, December 21, 2018 | 0

California workplace safety regulators are proposing $50,470 in fines against a cannabis products manufacturer for multiple serious safety violations after a worker was burned in an explosion while manufacturing hash oil in a laboratory.

The employee of Future2 Labs Health Services was working alone on June 19 inside a bedroom-sized portable storage container in Watsonville, using propane to extract oil from marijuana leaves, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health said. The propane ignited and exploded, burning the worker, who was hospitalized for several days.

Cal/OSHA said the employer did not test the atmosphere inside the 128-square-foot storage container for flammable gases before allowing equipment to be operated. The equipment created a spark that ignited the gas.

“The process of using a highly flammable gas to extract oil from cannabis leaves is dangerous,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “To prevent injuries and mitigate risk, employers in the cannabis industry must establish and implement an effective injury and illness prevention program, provide effective training to their employees and comply with safety and health standards.”

Cal/OSHA cited Santa Cruz-based Future2 Health Services $50,470 in proposed penalties for 10 violations, including three serious offenses.