b'Department Of Labor AcceptingUS Department of Labor again finds 2023 HIRE Vets Medallionbarley supplier exposing workers to Awards Applicationsworkplace safety hazards at Wisconsin malthouse WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Labor announced today that it is accepting applicationsMANITOWOC, WIA Wisconsin company that for the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Thesupplies malt barley to major craft breweries, home award is presented annually to employers that meetbreweries, and other spirit and food production in the standards for excellence in the recruitment, hiringMidwest has again been found exposing employees and retention of Americas military veterans.to dangerous workplace hazards by federal safety inspectors. Initiated by the Honoring Investments in Recruit-ing and Employing American Military VeteransThe U.S. Department of Labor\'s Occupational Safety Act, the award recognizes small businesses, non- and Health Administration has proposed penalties of profit organizations and large companies for lead- $174,351 to Briess Industries of Chilton after ership in promoting veterans employment. Theinspectors identified two repeated and 14 serious open application period begins the 2023 HIREsafety and health violations after responding to a Vets Medallion Award cycle. Employers meetingcomplaint of unsafe working conditions at the criteria for the award will join more than 1,600 company\'s Manitowoc malthouse in August 2022. employers recognized by the department for theirInspectors found workers crafting the malt exposed support of Americas veterans.to machine, respiratory protection, confined space and other hazards. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans employment award that OSHA found the companyoperating as Briess recognizes a proven commitment to veteranMalt & Ingredients Co.exposed workers tohiring, said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.amputation and other injuries by failing toThe HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a meaningfuladequately implement and periodically testand important recognition. Veterans and their procedures for controlling hazardous energy before families benefit from careers with real growth servicing and maintenance. In 2019, OSHA cited the potential and employers gain dedicated, qualifiedcompany for similar violations. employees who can make a significant contribution to the bottom line.Federal safety inspectors also noted the company did not assess the safety and health hazards of malthouse To complete the application process, employersconfined spaces, as required. The company also must verify that their organization meets awardfailed to implement a permit required confined space requirements, pay the application fee and complyprogram and train workers on the confined space with the rules promulgated by the Uniformed hazards. Inspectors also found the company\'s safety Services Employment and Reemployment Rightsfailures exposed employees to fall hazards from the Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustmentroof, and entanglement and amputation hazards Act. Employers must apply by April 30, 2023.created by unguarded augers.Agency: "Dangers like those we identified in this inspection Veterans\' Employment and Training Serviceare common in the manufacturing industry," said Date: January 31, 2023OSHA\'s Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton, Release Number: 23-104-NATWisconsin. "Briess Industries again put workers who convert barley into malt at risk of serious machine Media Contact: Bennett Gamblehazards and other dangers." Phone Number:202-693-6587 Email:Gamble.Bennett@dol.gov"Employers are legally responsible for providing workers with a safe and healthful workplace. Briess Industries must commit to following federal safety standards before a serious injury or worse occurs," Bonack added. (continued to page 19) 6'