Beall Brewery Insurance

The craft brewing industry, while incredibly rewarding, isn’t without its occupational hazards. For employers, understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for the well-being of their team and the smooth operation of their business. Here are three of the most common brewery injuries and actionable steps employers can take to prevent them:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Brewery floors are often wet due to spills, cleaning, and condensation. Add to that hoses, pipes, and equipment, and you have a recipe for slips, trips, and falls, leading to sprains, strains, fractures, or even head injuries.

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain excellent housekeeping: Implement a strict “clean as you go” policy. Spills, no matter how small, should be immediately cleaned up. Keep walkways clear of hoses, cords, and other obstructions.
• Invest in proper flooring and drainage: Ensure floors are made of slip-resistant materials. Install effective drainage systems to prevent standing water. Consider using anti-fatigue mats in areas where workers stand for long periods and where spills are frequent.
• Encourage appropriate footwear: Mandate slip-resistant, closed-toe footwear for all brewery staff. Steel-toed boots can offer additional protection from falling objects.
• Adequate lighting: Ensure all work areas are well-lit, especially in brewing and packaging areas, to improve visibility of potential hazards.
• Signage: Use clear, visible “Wet Floor” or “Caution” signs in hazardous areas.

2. Back and Muscle Strains (Musculoskeletal Injuries)

Brewery work is physically demanding. Lifting heavy kegs, bags of grain, and moving equipment, often in awkward postures or with repetitive motions, can lead to chronic back pain, sprains, and strains in the shoulders, neck, and wrists.

Prevention Tips:

• Implement proper lifting techniques training: Regularly train employees on correct lifting techniques: bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the legs, not the back. Emphasize keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting while lifting.
• Utilize mechanical aids: Invest in equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, hoists, and conveyors to minimize manual lifting. For kegs, consider keg dollies or keg lifters.
• Ergonomic workspace design: Arrange workspaces to reduce reaching, bending, and awkward postures. Consider adjustable height tables for packaging lines.
• Encourage stretching and breaks: Promote regular stretching exercises and micro-breaks to alleviate muscle fatigue and improve flexibility.
• Team lifts: Encourage employees to ask for help when lifting heavy or awkward objects that are too much for one person.

3. Cuts and Lacerations

From broken glass bottles and sharp edges on equipment to handling knives for ingredients, cuts and lacerations are a persistent risk in breweries.

Prevention Tips:

• Provide proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandate the use of cut-resistant gloves when handling glass, cleaning sharp equipment, or performing tasks that involve cutting. Ensure gloves fit properly.
• Safe handling procedures: Train employees on safe procedures for handling glass, especially during bottling and cleaning. Provide specific instructions for picking up broken glass (e.g., using a broom and dustpan, not bare hands).
• Machine guarding: Ensure all machinery with sharp or moving parts (e.g., mill augers, canning lines) has appropriate and well-maintained guards. Implement lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance and cleaning.
• Sharp tools and storage: Ensure knives and other cutting tools are kept sharp (dull blades require more force, increasing the risk of slips) and stored safely in designated racks or holders.
• Regular equipment inspections: Routinely inspect all equipment for sharp edges, burrs, or damaged parts that could cause injury. Promptly repair or replace damaged equipment.

By taking these proactive measures, brewery employers can significantly reduce the incidence of these common injuries, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more productive environment for their dedicated team.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.

Craft beer means good times – but that doesn’t mean that running a brewery is all fun and games. Making your brewery a safe place is good for your bottom line, great for your workers, and outstanding in keeping you in OSHA’s good books. Here are three of the most frequently cited OSHA violations in craft breweries and practical tips to keep your brewery compliant:

1. Confined Space Safety

Brewers often work within fermenters, mash tuns, kettles, and grain silos – spaces that fit OSHA’s definition of “confined spaces.” These areas have limited entry/exit points and aren’t designed for continuous occupancy, posing risks like hazardous atmospheres or engulfment.

How to Avoid Violation:

• Develop a written program: Implement a comprehensive “Permit-Required Confined Space” program. This should identify and evaluate potential hazards, outline atmospheric testing procedures, and include instructions for emergency rescue.
• Issue entry permits: Before any employee enters a permit-required confined space, ensure they receive and understand a signed entry permit from an entry supervisor.
• Provide thorough training: All employees who may enter or supervise entry into confined spaces must receive specialized training on safe practices, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures.
• Ventilate and monitor: Before entry, thoroughly ventilate confined spaces and continuously monitor atmospheric conditions for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic substances.

2. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147)

Maintenance and servicing of brewing equipment – from bottling lines to pumps and agitators – can be extremely dangerous if machinery unexpectedly starts up or releases stored energy. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are designed to prevent such incidents.

How to Avoid Violation:

• Establish a LOTO program: Create and implement a detailed written program that outlines procedures for controlling all forms of hazardous energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.).
• Develop machine-specific procedures: Don’t rely on generic LOTO. Each piece of equipment should have its own written, step-by-step procedure for shutting down, isolating energy sources, and verifying de-energization.
• Train and authorize employees: Only authorized employees, trained in the specific LOTO procedures for each machine, should perform servicing or maintenance. All affected employees must also understand LOTO and the prohibition against restarting locked-out equipment.
• Utilize proper devices: Ensure employees have and use appropriate lockout devices (e.g., padlocks, hasps) and tagout devices (e.g., tags indicating who applied the lock). These devices must be standardized within the facility.

3. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)

Breweries utilize a variety of chemicals for cleaning, sanitation, and other processes (acids, caustics, sanitizers). OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard ensures employees are aware of the chemical hazards they work with and how to protect themselves.

How to Avoid Violation:

• Maintain a written HazCom program: Develop and regularly update a written hazard communication program that details how your brewery manages hazardous chemicals.
• Ensure proper labeling: All chemical containers, including secondary containers like spray bottles, must be clearly labeled with product identifiers, hazard warnings, and the name and address of the chemical manufacturer or importer.
• Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Keep Safety Data Sheets (formerly MSDS) for every hazardous chemical on site, readily accessible to all employees at all times. These 16-section documents provide critical information on chemical properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.
• Conduct comprehensive training: Train employees on the hazards of the chemicals they use, how to read and understand labels and SDS, proper handling procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and emergency response actions (like first aid and spill cleanup). Training should occur upon initial assignment, when new hazards are introduced, and periodically as needed.

By proactively addressing these common OSHA violations, craft breweries can foster a safer work environment, protect their employees, and ultimately, brew better beer with greater peace of mind.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.

In today’s bustling craft beer scene, standing out requires more than just a great IPA. Consumers are increasingly seeking connection, authenticity, and a taste of something unique. This is where embracing local brewery ingredients and mastering brewery storytelling can transform your brand from just another tap handle into a cherished community cornerstone. Going hyper-local isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy to differentiate your brewery and cultivate a loyal following.

Sourcing and incorporating local brewery ingredients begins with exploration and relationship-building. Start by researching farms in your region. Are there local hop growers, even small-scale ones? Can you source grains from nearby maltsters? Beyond the basics, consider fruits, honey, herbs, or even unique local yeast strains that can impart a distinct regional character to your beers. Attend farmers’ markets, connect with agricultural extension offices, and simply talk to local producers. Building direct relationships with farmers and suppliers is key. These partnerships not only ensure freshness and quality but also become an integral part of your brewery storytelling. Imagine a saison featuring honey from a beekeeper down the road, or a harvest ale brewed with pumpkins from a nearby farm – these stories write themselves.

Crafting a compelling brand narrative around these local connections and your community provenance is where the magic happens. Your brewery storytelling should weave a tale that highlights:

• The “Why”: Why did you choose to brew in your specific community? What makes it special?
• The People: Feature the farmers and suppliers you work with. Share their stories and passion.
• The Place: Describe the terroir – how does your local environment (water, climate, soil) influence your ingredients and, ultimately, your beer?
• The Process: Be transparent about how these local elements are incorporated into your brewing.

Many breweries successfully market beers with unique regional flavors. Jester King Brewery in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its farmhouse ales that often incorporate local well water, native yeast, and Texan ingredients. Further north, Allagash Brewing Company in Maine, while known for Belgian styles, often highlights its commitment to local grain and its connection to the Maine agricultural scene. These breweries don’t just sell beer; they sell a story of place and craftsmanship.

The benefits of this hyper-local approach, particularly transparency, are immense. Today’s discerning craft beer drinker values authenticity. They want to know where their beer comes from and what’s in it. Being open about your sourcing of local brewery ingredients, your brewing methods, and your community involvement builds trust and a genuine connection. This transparency resonates far more deeply than generic marketing, fostering a loyal customer base that appreciates the effort and the story behind each pint. In a crowded market, your local heritage and authentic narrative are your most potent brews.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.

In today’s competitive craft beer market, brewing exceptional beer is just the starting line. To truly thrive, breweries need to embrace smarter strategies, and that’s where brewery technology and craft beer data come into play. Moving beyond intuition and embracing data-driven decisions can help you brew better, more consistent beer and connect more effectively with your thirsty customers.

Listen to Your Data: Refining Recipes and Understanding Preferences

Ever wonder what your customers really think or what subtle tweaks could elevate your flagship IPA from great to unforgettable? The answers are often hidden in your existing craft beer data. Your Point of Sale (POS) system, for example, is a goldmine. Which beers fly off the taps on a Friday night? Which seasonal releases see the most repeat growler fills? Analyzing sales velocity, customer feedback from online reviews, and even social media engagement can provide powerful insights.

This data helps you understand flavor profiles that resonate, identify underperforming brews that might need a recipe tweak or a marketing rethink, and even predict demand for seasonal or limited-edition beers. Imagine using these insights to refine hop additions for a more popular aroma profile or adjusting malt bills based on direct customer feedback gathered through digital surveys linked from your taproom.

Smart Brewing on a Budget: Affordable Tech for Smaller Breweries

The term “brewery technology” might conjure images of expensive, sprawling automated systems, but impactful tech doesn’t have to break the bank, especially for smaller operations. Many affordable solutions can streamline your processes and free up valuable time.

Consider investing in user-friendly brewery software. Several platforms are designed specifically for craft breweries, offering modules for inventory management (tracking hops, malt, and even kegs), brew log consistency, sales tracking, and even basic TTB reporting assistance. These tools can replace cumbersome spreadsheets, reduce errors, and provide a clearer picture of your operational health. For a deeper dive into available options, resources like the Brewers Association often have guides or member forums discussing useful technologies.

Other affordable tech includes:

• Digital refractometers and pH meters: For more consistent quality control.
• Simple temperature control systems: For fermentation accuracy.
• Online ordering and tap list management tools: To improve customer experience and reduce staff workload. Platforms like Untappd for Business offer ways to engage with customers digitally.

Embracing even a few of these tools can lead to more consistent brews, better inventory management, and a deeper understanding of your business and your customers. The future of craft beer is not just about passion; it’s about pairing that passion with smart, data-informed decisions and the right technology to help you grow.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.

The clinking of glasses in a bustling taproom, the aroma of hops and malt – these are the sensory hallmarks of the craft beer experience. But today, another, quieter element is brewing, one that resonates deeply with a growing number of consumers and can significantly impact a brewery’s success: sustainability. In 2025, environmental consciousness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a major purchasing driver. Craft beer enthusiasts are increasingly thirsty for brews that not only taste good but also do good. This means breweries that embrace responsible practices from grain to drain are not just protecting the planet, they’re also cultivating brand loyalty and potentially improving their bottom line.

The shift is palpable. Across the industry, breweries are increasingly adopting a greener approach. Water, a lifeblood of brewing, is a prime focus. Innovative water conservation techniques, such as water reclamation systems for cleaning and cooling, are becoming more commonplace, drastically reducing a brewery’s water footprint. Imagine the impact when an average of seven barrels of water is typically used to produce just one barrel of beer!

Energy consumption is another critical area. Breweries are turning to renewable energy sources like solar panels to power their operations, significantly cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and often long-term energy costs. Beyond the big installations, even simple measures like switching to LED lighting and investing in energy-efficient brewing equipment can make a substantial difference.

Waste reduction, particularly dealing with spent grains – the largest byproduct of the brewing process – has seen a surge in creative solutions. Instead of heading to landfill, these nutrient-rich grains are finding new life as animal feed for local farms, ingredients in baked goods (spent grain bread, anyone?), or even as a component in creating compostable packaging. Speaking of packaging, the move towards eco-friendly options is accelerating. We’re seeing more beers in recyclable aluminum cans (which are lighter to transport), biodegradable six-pack rings that don’t endanger wildlife, and a push for recycled content in bottles and labels.

One brewery that has masterfully woven sustainability into its very fabric is Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Long before it was a widespread trend, Sierra Nevada was pioneering green initiatives. They boast one of the largest privately-owned solar installations in the craft beer industry, utilize microturbine technology to generate their own electricity and steam, and have extensive water recovery programs. Their commitment extends to composting food waste from their taprooms and diverting an astounding 99.8% of their solid waste from landfills. This dedication isn’t just an operational footnote; it’s a core part of their brand identity, attracting environmentally-minded consumers and setting a high bar for the industry.

But does “going green” affect the less glamorous side of the business, like insurance? The answer is nuanced. While simply adopting sustainable practices might not directly lead to an immediate discount on your general liability or property insurance premiums, it can have indirect positive impacts.

For instance, investing in new, energy-efficient brewing equipment or state-of-the-art water management systems can reduce the risk of equipment breakdown or water damage claims, potentially leading to a better claims history over time – a key factor insurers consider. Well-maintained, modern equipment is generally viewed more favorably. Furthermore, some insurers are beginning to offer specialized “green building” endorsements or recognize certifications that could offer modest benefits or at least position your brewery as a lower risk in certain aspects.

However, it’s also crucial to discuss any significant changes with your insurance provider. Installing a large solar array, for example, will need to be properly covered under your property insurance. Implementing novel waste-to-energy systems might introduce new risk exposures that need to be assessed. Open communication with your broker is key to ensuring your sustainability initiatives are adequately protected and don’t inadvertently create coverage gaps.

Ultimately, embracing sustainable brewing isn’t just about environmental stewardship; it’s a smart business strategy. It resonates with the values of modern consumers, can lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings, and helps future-proof your brewery against resource scarcity and evolving regulations. By thoughtfully implementing green practices, craft brewers can create a legacy that’s as enduring as their finest ales.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.

The craft beer landscape is undergoing a fascinating evolution. While hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts still hold their esteemed places, a new category is rapidly gaining traction and reshaping tap lists: non-alcoholic beer and low-alcohol beer. This surge isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a significant market shift driven by evolving consumer lifestyles, particularly a growing emphasis on health consciousness and the influential sober curious movement. For craft breweries, understanding and catering to this demand presents a substantial opportunity to expand their customer base and boost revenue.

The numbers speak for themselves. The global non-alcoholic beer market has seen robust growth, projected to grow from $21.94 billion in 2024 to an impressive $23.98 billion in 2025, with forecasts expecting it to reach $35.35 billion by 2029 (Research and Markets). This isn’t just about removing alcohol; it’s about offering sophisticated, flavorful alternatives that align with modern wellness goals. The sober curious movement, where individuals mindfully moderate or abstain from alcohol for personal well-being, plays a pivotal role. It’s less about strict sobriety and more about choice, with consumers actively seeking high-quality, enjoyable options that fit a balanced lifestyle. Data indicates that a significant percentage of adults, particularly younger demographics like Gen Z, are drinking less alcohol and are open to, or actively consuming, non-alcoholic alternatives.

So, who is the target consumer for these innovative brews? It’s a diverse group:

• Health-Conscious Individuals: Those prioritizing fitness, lower calorie intake, or simply reducing alcohol’s impact on their physical and mental well-being.
• Mindful Moderators (The Sober Curious): Drinkers who enjoy the taste and social aspect of beer but want to cut back on alcohol consumption without sacrificing the craft experience. This group might opt for a low-alcohol beer during the week or alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options during a social outing.
• Designated Drivers & Inclusive Socializers: Individuals who want to be part of the social occasion but are abstaining from alcohol for practical or personal reasons.
• Former Craft Beer Lovers: Those who have stopped drinking alcohol but miss the complexity and camaraderie of the craft beer scene.
• The Explorers: Consumers eager to try new things, especially when they align with quality and craft credentials.

Successfully tapping into the non-alcoholic craft beer and low-alcohol beer market requires more than just producing these beverages; it demands thoughtful marketing strategies. Here’s how breweries can connect:

1. Flavor First, Function Second: Emphasize the craft. Highlight the quality ingredients, brewing expertise, and complex flavor profiles. Marketing should position these beers as desirable in their own right, not just as “lesser-than” alternatives. Talk about the hop varietals, the malt character, and the brewing process, just as you would for your alcoholic offerings.
2. Inclusive Taproom Experience: Integrate NA and low-alcohol options seamlessly into your menu. Offer them on tap, give them equal prominence, and ensure staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Consider NA beer flights or food pairing suggestions.
3. Targeted Digital Marketing: Utilize social media and online advertising to reach health and wellness communities, sober curious groups, and fitness enthusiasts. Share content that highlights the lifestyle benefits without being preachy – focus on refreshment, flavor, and inclusivity.
4. Occasion-Based Marketing: Position these beers for specific moments. A crisp low-alcohol beer could be the perfect lunchtime pint, a post-workout refresher, or a satisfying choice for a weeknight gathering.
5. Transparency and Education: Clearly label ABV. Educate consumers about the brewing process and how flavor is maintained or created in your non-alcoholic craft beer. This builds trust and appeals to the discerning craft drinker.
6. Partnerships and Sampling: Collaborate with wellness events, fitness studios, or restaurants focused on healthy lifestyles. In-store sampling (where legal and appropriate) can also convert curious consumers.

The rise of low and no-alcohol options isn’t a threat to traditional craft beer; it’s an expansion. By embracing innovation in brewing and thoughtful marketing, craft breweries can cater to a broader audience, meet evolving consumer needs, and find exciting new avenues for growth in this dynamic and rapidly expanding segment.

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.