Protecting Employees: Understanding Worker Protection Standards in Cannabis Cultivation

🎙In this episode of 'Under the Microscope with Jenny,' host Jenny Germano welcomes her guest, Alex Hearding from Red Wolf Risk, who brings expertise in environmental science and worker safety. Alex and Jenny explore critical topics of protecting employees in cannabis cultivation operations by understanding Worker Protection Standards. Their discussion covers the specifics of Worker Protection Standards (WPS) and the critical need for compliance with EPA regulations on pesticide use, including the roles and requirements for workers and handlers, the importance of training, PPE, emergency assistance, maintaining decontamination stations and common violations. This episode provides practical tips and best practices to help operators ensure compliance and protect their workers, making this a valuable resource for anyone involved in cannabis cultivation.

🌿 Our Host: Jenny Germano, Founder of ICS Consulting
🌎 ICS Consulting: https://www.icsconsultingservice.com
🌿Our Guest: Alex Hearding founder of Red Wolf Risk
🌎Red Wolf Risk: https://redwolfrisk.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

02:55 Understanding Worker Protection Standards (WPS)
04:17 EPA Standards and Pesticide Use in Cannabis
08:03 Overlap with OSHA and State Regulations
19:07 Training and Education Requirements
25:32 Central Posting and Safety Data Sheets
29:36 Essential Safety Equipment for Outdoor Grows
32:14 Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) Explained
34:17 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
39:36 Decontamination and Emergency Supplies
48:13 Common Violations and Best Practices
54:56 Final Thoughts & Wrap Up