OSHA Proposes Fines For Briess Workplace Violations

Briess Industries of Chilton has been notified that it faces multiple violations and a large fine for alleged workplace safety hazards at its Manitowoc malthouse.  According to a news release this morning (today) from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, officials proposed penalties of over $174,000 to Briess Industries after inspectors identified two repeated and 14 serious safety and health violations.  Authorities responded to a complaint last August of unsafe working conditions at the malthouse where inspectors found workers crafting the malt exposed to machine, respiratory protection, confined space and other hazards.  OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2019.  Briess has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the agency’s independent review commission.