Beall Brewery Insurance reports that about 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous sound levels on the job, according to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Though “hazardous” may be too strong a term to describe brewery noise–the racket resulting from the manufacture of beer and the operation of a craft brewery–it is certainly true that breweries can be very loud places. In fact, it can get so noisy that it’s difficult for brewery staff to communicate with each other. This can be frustrating, but can also pose a danger if brewery employees can’t hear an alarm or warning from their colleagues.

With extensive exposure to loud brewery noises, such as power tools in operation or bottling machines, it’s also possible that the hearing can become damaged. Long-term health effects of noise exposure include:

• permanent ringing in the ears
• hearing loss
• irritability
• fatigue
• trouble concentrating and communicating.

If you’re not sure whether your staff is protected from excessive brewery noise and its negative impact, ask yourself:

• Do workers feel brewery noise levels are comfortable?
• Is there a program for brewery noise reduction?
• Do workers know when and where hearing protection is necessary?
• Is personal protective equipment (PPE) provided as needed (earplugs or muffs)?
• Have workers using PPE been trained in its proper use?
• Is PPE cleaned, maintained, and stored properly?
• Are multiple sizes of PPE available to fit different workers?

For more than 25 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 California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.