CEC provides occupational safety and health solutions to help our brewery clients improve their health and safety performance. Our services include training, inspections, and other services designed to improve compliance.
Beer has never been a bigger business in the United States than it is today. Roughly 7,000 U.S. breweries churn out ales and lagers, producing more than 182 million barrels of beer in 2018. However, the booming sales and production numbers come at a cost: safety. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations at breweries more than doubled between 2010 and 2015, and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in breweries are up 57% since 2010.
Most Common OSHA Violations
Craft breweries typically employ brewers who are expected to work with hazardous chemicals and dangerous equipment in confined spaces. Many craft breweries are open to the public for tours and tastings, which exposes them to further liabilities. CEC can help your brewery understand which OSHA citations they may be cited for so you can keep your employees safe and prevent future citations.
29 CFR 1910.146—Permit-required Confined Spaces
Brewers spend time cleaning, servicing, and performing maintenance inside equipment such as fermenters, grain silos, mash tuns, and kettles. Breweries are frequently cited for failure to provide safe practices while working in such confined spaces. To meet the required safeguards, CEC will work with you to develop programs and guidance, such as a written confined space permit program, entry permits, and worker training.
29 CFR 1910.178—Powered Industrial Trucks
Craft breweries regularly rely on powered industrial trucks and forklifts to transport and lift heavy items and raw materials. Many breweries have been cited for failing to train employees to operate such equipment safely. CEC will work with you to identify and implement the required training programs.
29 CFR 1910.1200—Hazard Communication
Craft breweries are often cited for violations related to OSHA’s hazard communication regulation, which governs the labeling of chemical hazards in the workplace. CEC will identify what labels and other documents are required.
29 CFR 1910.147—The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) violations are among OSHA’s most common citations each year. CEC will work with brewery employees to develop specific LOTO procedures to protect them from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment.
29 CFR 1910 Subpart I—Personal Protective Equipment
Boiling water, toxic cleaning chemicals, and hazardous vapors are just some of the hazards brewers may face on any given day. CEC will work with you to assess the hazards and determine the proper personal protective equipment to protect your employees and comply with regulations.
Brewery Safety Solutions
In order to keep your employees safe and to prevent future citations, it is important to understand how these OSHA regulations and other regulatory issues apply. CEC can provide guidance, training, and inspections.
