WORKSAFE is investigating the death of a 54-year-old man at a Birregurra hotel this morning.

The man was delivering beer kegs to the hotel's cellar, and WorkSafe is investigating the possibility of a carbon dioxide leak in the cellar.

WorkSafe's investigation is at an early stage, but acting executive director, Stan Krpan, said the death was a tragic reminder of the risks of working in confined spaces with little ventilation.

"With or without a gas leak or chemical exposure, limited means of entry and exit, poor air circulation, and working in confined spaces, is risky," he said.

"Employers need to understand these risks and develop appropriate controls.

"This is an issue across industry, not just hotels."