Ft. Collins Brewery wins OSHA award - Weekly Specialty Beer Report - Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Brief Article

Modern Brewery Age, Nov 19, 2001

The federal government recognized Odell Brewing Company of Ft. Collins, CO, for its outstanding safety record last week, making the brewery the first and only company in Colorado to receive the prestigious Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program Award four consecutive years. One of only 19 active Colorado companies participating in the SHARP program, Odell is also the only craft brewery in the region to receive the honor.

Lee Smith, Colorado Onsite OSHA Consultant, presented the award to brewery Production Manager Brendan McGivney and production staff last week upon his return from the World Trade Center cleanup site. "Employee Safety is a primary business philosophy at Odell Brewing Company, and it shows, with injury rates well below the national averages," said Smith. "I have worked with the owners, management and employees of OBC for the last four years and consider them collectively an outstanding model and leaders for SHARP success in the microbrewing industry and small business community."

Smith also stated that the participation of Odell Brewing in the program had been influential on microbrewing in the region, and was directly responsible for several other craft breweries pursuing safer workplaces and SHARP certification.

In order to qualify for the SHARP recognition, Odell Brewing successfully participated in a comprehensive safety and health onsite consultation survey, and corrected all hazards identified. In addition, the brewery exceeded all OSHA mandated requirements, maintained injury rates below national averages, and demonstrated a commitment to employee safety and health through improvements to existing programs.

For additional information on the Colorado OSHA safety program, contact: Lee Smith 970-491-6526.