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Colorado Breweries Subject to OSHA Local Emphasis Program

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Technical Brewing Projects Director

Chuck joined the Brewers Association staff in 2013 after a long career as a craft brewer. He opened Tennessee’s first brewpub, Boscos, in 1992. As an owner and director of brewery operations for Boscos Brewing Company, he opened additional brewpubs in Memphis, Nashville, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2007, Chuck opened and operated Ghost River Brewing in Memphis. He has served as chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Advisors, chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Directors, and was a member of the first Board of Directors for the Brewers Association. In his capacity as technical brewing projects manager, Chuck works with the Technical Committee and the safety, sustainability, quality, draught beer quality, engineering, and supply chain subcommittees to encourage and facilitate best practices in all phases of Brewers Association members' brewery operations.

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Colorado’s Federal OSHA office has announced it will begin targeted safety and compliance inspections of breweries beginning October 1. Visits will occur in 38 of the state’s 64 counties.

Breweries aren’t alone; other alcohol producers and soft drink businesses will be inspected in this Local Emphasis Program (LEP). The LEP is based on an uptick in employment numbers and injury/illness statistics across the sector.

Colorado breweries have been hearing about this LEP for over a year from the Colorado Brewers Guild, the Region VIII Federal OSHA office, and OSHA Consultation Services at Colorado State University.

We Eat First with Our Eyes…And So Do OSHA Inspectors

Here are a few suggestions that will set the right tone for an inspection. This list is based on known concerns for all breweries and previous Colorado OSHA inspections, but it is not a comprehensive list.

1. Assign a Representative to Meet the Compliance Officer

2. Housekeeping

  • Keep floors free of tripping hazards, puddles and clutter
  • Stow tools and equipment when not in use; keep staircases clear
  • Make sure storage areas are orderly; no heavy objects on walk-in cooler ceilings

3. Emergency Preparedness

  • Have a first aid kit stocked and easy to access
  • Have an emergency shower and eyewash easily accessible
  • Have fire extinguishers and escape routes well-marked

4. Hazard Communication (HazCom)

  • Ensure that your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) binder is up-to-date, visible, and available
  • Have workers trained in correct handling of chemicals in use, including written documentation of training
  • Make sure your brewery has a Written HazCom Program (Simple Template)
  • Organize your chemical storage: have legible labels, with like stored with like, and spill containment

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Make sure PPE is in use and appropriate for tasks
  • Confirm that PPE is properly maintained, stored, inspected, and replaced
  • Focus on protection for eyes, hands, feet, and skin, plus hearing protection if noisy

6. Confined Spaces (CS) and Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO)

  • Confirm that vessels are not entered unless you have either a permit program in place (fermenters, BBTs), or you have established written reclassification for brewhouse vessel entry
  • Make sure your brewery has a Written CS Program
  • Double check that LO/TO equipment and Energy Control Procedures (ECPs) are in use
  • Ensure that your brewery has Written LO/TO Program (Minimum Standards), (Program template)

7. Forklifts

  • Certify that they are only being operated by trained/certified operators
  • Have training documentation on hand

(MORE: Best Management Practice for Surviving an OSHA Inspection)

Get Expert Advice

OSHA Consultation services are available through Colorado State University. Several breweries have reported consultation to be very helpful, and there may be time before you experience an inspection to receive these free services. Learn more.

The Brewers Association recognizes safety as a core value which increases worker health and well-being, improves quality, and reduces the cost of operation. Since 2013 the Safety Subcommittee has provided safety educational resources open to all.

Additional resources, including free, on-line brewery safety training and archives of past Craft Brewers Conference safety presentations.

Make Every Day a Safe Day.

Link to author biography
Technical Brewing Projects Director

Chuck joined the Brewers Association staff in 2013 after a long career as a craft brewer. He opened Tennessee’s first brewpub, Boscos, in 1992. As an owner and director of brewery operations for Boscos Brewing Company, he opened additional brewpubs in Memphis, Nashville, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2007, Chuck opened and operated Ghost River Brewing in Memphis. He has served as chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Advisors, chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Directors, and was a member of the first Board of Directors for the Brewers Association. In his capacity as technical brewing projects manager, Chuck works with the Technical Committee and the safety, sustainability, quality, draught beer quality, engineering, and supply chain subcommittees to encourage and facilitate best practices in all phases of Brewers Association members' brewery operations.

See Chuck Skypeck's Articles