Abstract No:
1716
Abstract Type:
Student Poster
Authors:
J Moreno1, D Ceballos2
Institutions:
1University of Washington, Sammamish, WA, 2Boston University School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
Presenter:
Juliana Moreno
University of Washington
Faculty Advisor:
Diana Ceballos
Boston University School of Public Health
Description:
WISHA10 is a 10-hour health and safety training program developed for agricultural workers by Washington State's department of Labor and Industries. From the WISHA10 training, the WISHA10 Cannabis training is the first standardized, evidence-based health and safety training designed specifically for Washington's cannabis industry. This poster shares the development process, evaluation findings, and speaks to industry-specific hazards. Attendees will learn how tailored training can improve health and safety outcomes for a unique workforce.
Situation/Problem:
Cannabis workers face dermal irritation, respiratory symptoms, and sensitization from handling plant material and related processes. Despite these emerging risks, previous research has identified a need for standardized, industry-specific training to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Methods:
1. Retrospective Evaluation of Existing WISHA10 Training
We analyzed pre- and post-training exams from previous WISHA10 sessions (n=1337), within years 2018 to 2024 to assess learning gains and compare performance across the language in which the training was delivered. Each exam question was also reviewed for indicators of poor performance. Exam data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative methods.
2. Content Adaptation and Module Development
We reviewed the existing WISHA10 curriculum to flag topics requiring cannabis-specific adaptation. These included plant-related respiratory hazards, ergonomic risks, chemical exposures, and industry-specific tasks. A literature review and a stakeholder committee representing private industry, government, academia, and occupational health and safety consultants guided topic selection and content creation. Additionally, collaboration with a graphic design team allowed for visual case studies to be developed.
Results / Conclusions:
1. Retrospective Evaluation of Existing WISHA10 Training
Between pre- and post-exams, there was a 12% increase in score (p<<0.001) demonstrating strong overall effectiveness. Spanish language participants scored lower on pre-exams (66.80%) than English speakers (71.90%) but performed more similarly on post-exams (79.37% vs. 82.19%). A statistically significant difference remained between languages (p<0.05), underscoring the need for accessible, bilingual materials. Three exam questions (6, 10, 11) were flagged for poor performance and revised to improve clarity.
2. Content Adaptation and Module Development
Stakeholders identified ten priority topics for the cannabis module: respiratory health, biological hazards (mold), wildfire smoke, preventing sprains and strains, heat stress/illness, UV light, Machine safety, lithium batteries, workplace violence, and a miscellaneous category. Three real-world case studies about a respiratory health fatality, machine safety finger amputation, and workplace violence fatality were adapted into activities and narrative lectures to support engagement.
This project shows how standardized, evidence-based training is adapted for emerging industries. Language-stratified results show the value of accessible materials, and question-level analysis supports ongoing refinement of exams. The cannabis-specific module, built in stakeholder input and real case studies, will be pilot tested with a sample of cannabis workers to evaluate knowledge gains and identify remaining gaps. Qualitative feedback from workers and trainers will continue to guide refinements to content, graphics, and delivery.
Core Competencies:
Risk Communication
Secondary Core Competencies:
Hazard Communication
IH/OH Program Management
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Education and training
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Technician: Technician is a job title given to persons who are trained to assist professionals and practitioners with task-specific assignments. Technicians may collect air samples, operate direct-reading instruments, and provide other services based on specific training received and instructions received from professionals and practitioners.
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
No
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
This project provides an evaluation on the effectiveness of a cannabis-specific training module adapted from an existing standardized training, the WISHA10. By analyzing its effectiveness with language-stratified results, and question-level performance, training quality of the existing WISHA10 and the new cannabis module can be examined. The development of a standardized, hazard-specific module, guided by stakeholders and grounded in real case studies, provides an example for how general health and safety curricula can be adapted to emerging industries. These trainings contribute to more accurate hazard recognition, improve training reliability, and highlight methods for accessibility in worker learning outcomes.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes