The Moment You Employ Someone

As soon as you take on a single employee, the game changes completely. You are now legally responsible for their safety. That means:

• Written risk assessments for every significant hazard in the brewery
• COSHH assessments for every chemical you use, with proper data sheets accessible
• Manual handling assessments and training
• PPE provision — safety boots, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, dust masks, and you have to make sure people actually wear them
• Fire risk assessment and appropriate extinguishers, signage, and evacuation procedures
• First aid provision — trained first aider, stocked first aid kit, accident book
• Employer's liability insurance — legally required, as covered in Chapter 7
• Health and safety policy — required in writing if you have five or more employees

This isn't a checklist you do once and forget about. It's an ongoing obligation. Training needs refreshing. Assessments need updating. Records need keeping.