Breweries are full of moving parts—and not just the brewing equipment. Wet floors, hoses stretched across production areas, busy taprooms, and constant foot traffic can all create opportunities for slips, trips, and falls.
Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable. Consistent safety habits and a workplace culture that encourages employees to identify hazards can go a long way toward reducing risk.
Where breweries are most at risk
Some hazards are part of nearly every brewery's day-to-day operations, including:
- Wet floors from brewing, cleaning, or product spills
- Hoses, cords, and equipment crossing walkways
- Cluttered aisles or materials left where people walk
- Uneven flooring or worn surfaces
- Poor lighting in production or storage areas
These hazards don't stop at the production floor. In taprooms and tour spaces, a spilled drink or blocked walkway can quickly become a safety issue for guests, too.
Focus on the fundamentals
Preventing slips, trips, and falls often comes down to doing the basics consistently. A few simple practices can make a big difference:
- Keep floors clean, dry, and free of debris
- Clean up spills promptly or clearly mark the area until they're addressed
- Keep hoses, cords, and equipment out of primary walkways whenever possible
- Encourage slip-resistant footwear in production areas
- Make sure workspaces are well lit so hazards are easy to spot
Taken together, these habits can significantly reduce everyday risks.
Build a culture of awareness
Even the cleanest brewery can't prevent every spill or obstacle. That's why it's important for employees to recognize hazards and address them as they arise. Encourage your team to:
- Correct hazards they can safely fix
- Report issues that need additional attention
- Stay alert as conditions change throughout the day
When everyone takes ownership of safety, hazards are more likely to be addressed before they become injuries.
Don't forget the taproom
Production isn't the only place where slips, trips, and falls happen. Entryways, patios, and taprooms often see changing conditions throughout the day, especially during busy service hours. Simple steps—like placing entry mats, keeping walkways clear, and using wet floor signs when needed—can help create a safer experience for both employees and guests.
Put prevention into practice
EMC's Smart Steps toolkit provides practical resources—including checklists, safety briefs, and training materials—to help breweries strengthen their slip, trip, and fall prevention efforts. Whether you're onboarding new employees or reinforcing safe habits during regular safety meetings, these tools can help keep hazard awareness top of mind.
A safer brewery isn't built by one big initiative. It's built through the small decisions your team makes every day.