Top 3 Craft Brewery Safety Hazards and What Your Team Can Do To Mitigate Risk

Background

This summer I had the opportunity to present at one of the Brewer’s of Indiana Guild’s regional meetings. I used my time to highlight the top 3 hazards for craft breweries, and ways breweries can mitigate or even alleviate these risks for their teams.

Top 3 Hazards for Craft Breweries

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
2. Ergonomic Injuries
3. Confined Spaces

Preventing and Eliminating These Hazards

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
   • Keep workplaces clean, orderly, and sanitary
   • Keep workroom floors maintained as clean and dry as possible – immediately clean up spills
   • Keep aisles clear and free of obstruction that could create a hazard – consider identifying walkways through brewery to ensure items are clear of denoted space
   • Implement a monthly walk-through to identify hazards, then create and implement a plan. Remember to document this, and provide it to your agent/company prior to your insurance renewal to display your commitment to safety.

2. Ergonomic Injuries
   • Reduce and eliminate heavy lifting
     • Automate processes
     • Hoists/lifts
     • Conveyors
     • Keg Robots
   • Train employees in proper lifting techniques
   • Use two-person lifting techniques
   • Implement an employee stretching program
   • Consider purchasing/using height adjustable tools/tables
   • Encourage employees to report injuries and especially “near misses”

3. Confined Spaces
   • Best not to enter!
   • Label these spaces and implement procedure if entry is essential
     • Detailed program for entry
       1. Test atmosphere (CO₂ levels)
       2. Entrant accompanied by attendant outside of tank
       3. Wear safety harness if descending into tank
     • Add brewing ingredients without entry
     • Perform inspections outside of tank
     • Use a clean in place (CIP) system

As an affiliate member of the Brewers of Indiana Guild, supporting the craft beer industry in Indiana is one of my passions. If you are looking for a risk management partner who will provide more than just a policy, let’s set up a time to chat. You can email me at: chad@mlllerinsurancegrp.com or call at: (317) 869-9180.

Also, congratulations to the Indiana City Brewing team for correctly guessing the top three hazards.