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Prioritizing safety in the coffee industry

Published: 16 February 2024

What we're doing

In collaboration with industry stakeholders, WorkSafe Victoria unveils a comprehensive initiative to enhance safety standards in the coffee sector. Recognizing the widespread presence of coffee corners in workplaces, the campaign focuses on mitigating risks associated with machine operation, electrical hazards, and potential fire incidents. The program aims to foster a culture of safety through education and practical guidelines for employers and employees alike.

Machine safety matters

  1. Emphasis on regular maintenance checks to ensure coffee machines are in optimal condition.
  2. Guidelines for safe machine operation, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in coffee corners.

Electrical safety first

  • Recommendations for using coffee appliances that comply with electrical safety standards.
  • Education on recognising and reporting potential electrical hazards to prevent incidents.

Fire safety awareness

  • Integration of fire safety measures, including the availability and proper use of fire extinguishers.
  • Implementation of evacuation plans to ensure preparedness in case of fire emergencies.

Ergonomics in coffee corners

  • Insights into the importance of ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Guidelines for designing comfortable and safe coffee corners to enhance overall workplace well-being.

Handling hazardous substances

  • Focus on proper storage and labeling of substances involved in coffee preparation.
  • Training programs to ensure employees use personal protective equipment when handling hazardous substances.
A latte brewed in an office kitchen with a yummy butterbing cookie by its side.

Brewing coffee safely  

Machine safety matters

  • Emphasis on regular maintenance checks to ensure coffee machines are in optimal condition.
  • Guidelines for safe machine operation, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in coffee corners.

Electrical safety first

  • Recommendations for using coffee appliances that comply with electrical safety standards.
  • Education on recognising and reporting potential electrical hazards to prevent incidents.

Fire safety awareness

  • Integration of fire safety measures, including the availability and proper use of fire extinguishers.
  • Implementation of evacuation plans to ensure preparedness in case of fire emergencies.

Ergonomics in coffee corners

  • Insights into the importance of ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Guidelines for designing comfortable and safe coffee corners to enhance overall workplace well-being.

Handling hazardous substances

  • Focus on proper storage and labeling of substances involved in coffee preparation.
  • Training programs to ensure employees use personal protective equipment when handling hazardous substances.
No results returned

Stay informed, stay safe

  • Regular updates and resources provided by WorkSafe Victoria to keep the industry informed about the latest safety practices.
  • Encouragement for employers and employees to actively participate in creating a safer coffee-brewing environment.

WorkSafe Victoria is committed to collaborating with the coffee industry to create workplaces where the energising aroma of coffee is complemented by a strong commitment to safety. Stay tuned for further updates and resources to enhance safety practices in your coffee corner.

Table example

Coffee type extraction temperature crema percentage

Espresso

90-95°C

08/12/2001

Pour-over

88-94°C

1-3%

French press

92-96°C

NaN/NaN/NaN

Link list

The stronger, the better  

Brewing coffee safely  

The Brewmaster Summit: Redefining office coffee excellence  

Show off your barista skills, learn from the best and drink buckets of great coffee.

Kitchen sink - Safety alert  

Kitchen sink - resource page  

Department of Health Victoria  

Helping Victorians stay healthy and safe.

Standards Australia - AS 5340:2020  

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The stronger, the better  

Great tasting coffee in strong doses boosts workplace safety and improves wellbeing.

The Brewmaster Summit: Redefining office coffee excellence  

Monday 01/04/2024 to Friday 05/04/2024 at 9:00am to 4:59pm

WorkSafe head office 1 Malop street, Geelong

Show off your barista skills, learn from the best and drink buckets of great coffee.

Kitchen sink - Safety alert  

Thursday 15 February 2024

The safety alert content type is used to alert people of serious incidents that have happened and what should be done as a result.

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Almond grower charged over forklift injury  

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WorkSafe has charged a Mildura almond processor after a worker was seriously injured when he was struck by a forklift in July 2024.

Companies charged after worker's fall from balcony  

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WorkSafe has charged two building companies after a worker was seriously injured at a Caulfield South construction site in July 2024.

Company fined after disabled worker's staircase death  

Tuesday 02 June 2026

A social enterprise employing people with a disability has been fined $190,000 after a worker with mobility and vision impairments fell down a flight of stairs and later died.

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