In 2007 Idaho’s Snake River Valley attained official recognition as a distinct grape growing region. From then on the Idaho wine growing industry has gone from strength to strength. Nevertheless working in the wine industry can carry associated risks. Knowing what these are and taking steps to prevent worker injury could help lower the chance of a claim being made against your Idaho workers compensation insurance.

Viticulture workers may be vulnerable to hazards associated with working outside such as snakes and insects, heat stress, noise from machinery and illness caused by contact with pesticides. Workers perform a variety of repetitive tasks while tending vineyards and may also be at risk of developing musculoskeletal problems including neck and back strains. Pruning may also increase the risk of workers developing tendonitis in their hands.

Workers involved in wine production may be exposed to small amounts of toxic chemicals during the wine making process. Chemicals are mainly used to sterilize winemaking appliances and equipment. Exposure to some wine additives may result in a worker developing occupational asthma.

Wine fermentation may produce amounts of carbon dioxide which in a confined space such as wine fermentation tanks and storage containers may reach extremely high concentrations. Carbon dioxide in the lungs may cause unconsciousness in a remarkably short time, and can of course, be fatal.

Implementing safe workplace policies and procedures and ensuring staff are taking personal protection precautions seriously may help your employees stay safe and healthy. Being proactive with safety measures may also have the added benefit of reducing the risk of a claim being made on your Idaho workers compensation insurance policy.

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