Page 24 - Grapevine NovDec 2020

In The Winery

SAFETY FOR YOUR WINERY

Have You Fortified Your Workers’

Compensation Program?
Safety for E ven though there may be many aspects that health risks is a great way for your winery to pro-

tect your greatest resource – your people. Spending
are similar, the safety programs for every
winery will in all likelihood look very dif-
Your Winery ferent. Like any other effort to manage your risks, time on health and safety can help create a bet-
ter work environment and improve your worker
your plan will need to identify the risks you face
morale. Winery accidents on the other hand, due
and in turn determine how they will be managed.
There are many hazardous activities carried out in to a lack of this kind of commitment, can have an
immense impact on your injured workers, their
the wine industry that can result in a serious injury co-workers and on their families in terms of pain,
or even death if not managed properly. Your risks suffering, disability, stress and loss or change of
may include things such as: employment. Your winery can incur direct costs
that may include claims costs, increased insurance
• The physical work environment premiums, and fines. There are also indirect costs,
• Occupational hazards(i.e. slips and falls, chemi- which may include damage to property, the cost
cals, cuts/lacerations) of finding and training temporary employees, and
• Machinery, processing and substances used production or service interruption leading to loss
• Work practices and systems of work of customers. The total cost of an accident can be
• Special events involving live music, weddings, significant.
special tastings, etc.
At first, managing workers’ compensation for your
A commitment to managing these safety and winery may seem like a daunting task. You want
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