On-farm grain storage is on the rise—and consequently—so are fatal accidents associated with grain handling and storage. That’s why the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association are placing special emphasis on grain handling safety during Grain Bin Safety Week, February 21-27, 2016. In observance of the week, Nebraska Corn’s goal is to help prevent grain related accidents by increasing awareness of grain bin safety on farms and commercial grain-handling facilities.
“National statistics show that farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in America,” said David Merrell, farmer from St. Edward, Nebraska and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “With on-farm safety a continual effort at Nebraska Corn, we believe it is always important to remind farmers, grain elevators and other grain handlers to slow down and take a second for safety when working with stored grain. We want both grain handlers and emergency responders to understand how to avoid grain bin accidents—and how to help someone who does end up in trouble in a grain bin.”
Record high yields, combined with an upward trend in on-farm grain storage capacity has experts projecting an increase in grain engulfment accidents. In 2015 alone, there were more than 22 reported grain bin entrapments, resulting in 11 fatalities. Grain engulfment accidents can happen in a blink of an eye, with just one misstep or a moment of distraction, a grain handler could find himself in a grain entrapment emergency. For instance, using a 10-inch auger, it takes a mere 25 seconds for a 6-foot person to be completely buried in grain.
“Grain Bin Safety Week provides a forum for the agricultural community to help prevent these tragic accidents from occurring,” said Morgan Wrich, program director for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “With the hectic spring season around the corner, many Nebraska farmers are busy handling their on-farm grain storage—making this annual observance a timely opportunity to remind them and other grain handlers of the hazards of working around grain.”
With the proper safety procedures, grain bin accidents are preventable. That’s why it is important to take the extra second and follow all the safety rules when it comes to working with grain stored in bins. Here are a few grain bin safety tips to keep in mind when you are working with stored grain:
-
Use inspection holes or grain level markers to understand what's happening inside the bin. Use a pole from outside the bin to break up grain bridges.
-
You should enter a grain bin only if absolutely necessary. If you must get into the bin, use a body harness secured to the outside of the bin. Have at least two people watching over you as you enter and work inside the bin.
-
Use hand signals to communicate—and make sure everyone you're working with knows what those signals are.
These safety tips and more will be emphasized throughout Grain Bin Safety Week on Nebraska Corn Board’s website: www.nebraskacorn.org and blog: Nebraska Corn Kernels.
The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest in the program at a rate of 1/2 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research, promotion and education.
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to enhance the profitability of corn producers. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 dues paying members nationwide.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
LATEST STORIES
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Senator Ricketts's staff to visit southeast Nebraska
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
HCC hires new vice president of finance and operations
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Revised flood predictions along the MO River