To that end, after an OSHA investigation at Briess Industries of Chilton, WI, investigators proposed a fine of $174,351.
Investigators identified two repeated and 14 serious safety and health violations after responding to a complaint of unsafe working conditions at the company’s Manitowoc malthouse in August 2022. Inspectors found workers crafting the malt exposed to machine, respiratory protection, confined space and other hazards.
Safety inspectors also noted the company did not assess the safety and health hazards of malthouse confined spaces, as required.
The company also failed to implement a permit required confined space program and train workers on the confined space hazards. Inspectors also found the company’s safety failures exposed employees to fall hazards from the roof, and entanglement and amputation hazards created by unguarded augers.
“Dangers like those we identified in this inspection are common in the manufacturing industry,” said OSHA’s Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton, WI. “Briess Industries again put workers who convert barley into malt at risk of serious machine hazards and other dangers.”
“Employers are legally responsible for providing workers with a safe and healthful workplace. Briess Industries must commit to following federal safety standards before a serious injury or worse occurs,” Bonack said.
Founded in 1876 in Eastern Europe, Briess Industries is a family owned company operating in Chilton since 1950. In addition to the facilities in Chilton and Manitowoc, the company has a barley facility in Ralston, Wyoming.