What are the Most Common OSHA Citations in Minnesota's Cannabis Industry?

With the expansion of cannabis industries across cultivation, extraction, distribution, and retail, states such as Michigan have developed OSHA emphasis programs specifically for the cannabis sector. While the industry feels new, the violations showing up are the same ones OSHA cites across general industry year after year: Hazard Communication, PPE, electrical safety, and emergency preparedness. The following are some of the specific OSHA regulations that are impacting the Cannabis Industry in Minnesota. For more information about each regulation, check out the relevant links or contact us for a consultation.

Note: The OSHA trends discussed here use inspection data from businesses sharing the cannabis industry code, which includes both cannabis and similar businesses. Contact us to get the quarterly OSHA Trends for this or other Industries.

Most Common OSHA Citations for Minnesota's Cannabis Industry

Hazard Communication (HazCOM) / Employee Right-to-Know

In Minnesota, HazCom is known as Employee Right to Know. HazCom remains one of OSHA’s most frequently cited standards nationwide. Cannabis facilities handle fertilizers, pesticides, nutrients, cleaners, flammable liquids, carbon dioxide, and cleaning chemicals. Many facilities lack complete Safety Data Sheet (SDS) libraries, proper labeling, employee training, or a written HazCom program, opening themselves to citations.

MN OSHA: Chapter 5206 (link)

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.1200 (link)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA often cites missing eye and face protection or inadequate respiratory protection programs as common PPE violations. Chemical handling requires appropriate PPE, and effective respiratory protection relies on a thorough program. Violations typically stem from absent hazard assessments, weak programs, and inadequate training.

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.132 through 29CFR1910.138 (link)

Electrical and Wiring

Electrical wiring methods and general electrical requirements regularly appear on OSHA’s most-cited lists. Rapid buildouts, retrofits, and high-demand equipment (grow lights, HVAC, extraction systems) often lead to overloaded circuits, exposed wiring, and improper installations.

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910 Subpart S – Electrical (link)

Emergency Response and Preparedness

Emergency planning issues frequently surface during inspections: blocked exits, missing emergency action plans, inadequate fire extinguisher training, and absent eyewash stations. Facilities using flammable solvents or compressed gases face elevated risks when emergency procedures aren’t clear and practiced.

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.37 (link) – Evacuation Routes

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.38 (link) – Emergency Action Plans

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.157 (link) – Fire Extinguishers

Federal OSHA: 29CFR1910.151 (link) – Medical Services and First Aid

Why Does All of This Matter?

The cannabis industry may be emerging, but OSHA’s expectations are not. Strengthening HazCom, PPE programs, electrical safety, and emergency preparedness are the fastest ways to reduce risk—and avoid the citations that dominate enforcement across the country.

To find out more about how Resilient EHS can support you, check out our Solutions page or our Cannabis Industry Solutions page. If you would like a site-specific assessment , please contact us for a consultation.