Grain bins take spotlight during annual safety week

    Nebraska farmers continue to be good stewards of the land, producing more bushels with less resources.
    Because of this efficiency, on-farm grain storage is on the rise. With additional grain bins on farms and commercial sites, there is a greater risk of fatal accidents.
    The checkoff organizations of Nebraska’s corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum industries (and their respective associations) remind farmers and agricultural workers to be safe in and around grain bins during the fifth annual “Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week.”
    “Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week” takes place this week, March 29 through April 2.
    “Farming is one of the most hazardous industries we have in the United States,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Friend.
    “Nebraska Corn regularly reminds farmers to take a second for safety, because many accidents and fatalities can be prevented with just a little added caution,” he said.
    There are several hazards associated with grain bins, including engulfments and entanglements.
    An engulfment happens when grain flows downward and forms a funnel, pulling a person down to the point of full immersion.
    An entanglement can occur when farmers or ag employees work in close proximity to grain augers. The danger in operating an auger is getting caught in a moving part.
    With the proper safety procedures, accidents are preventable.
    Here are a few grain bin safety tips to keep in mind when working with stored grain:
    • Use inspection holes or grain level markers to understand what is happening inside the bin. Use a pole from outside the bin to break up grain bridges.
    • 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 along as you enter and work inside the bin.
    • Use hand signals to communicate—and make sure everyone you are working with knows what they are.
    “We know farmers are anxious to get back in the fields this spring, so many are now busy working with their previous crops stored on-farm,” said Bob Delsing, chairman of the Nebraska Wheat Board and farmer from Hemingford.
    Throughout the week, Nebraska’s corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum checkoffs and their respective associations will be sharing grain bin safety tips from their social media channels.
    More information can also be found at standup 4grainsafety.org.
    “We know farming is a risky business but with proper safety procedures, we can greatly reduce the chance for injury or even death,” said Mike Baker, chairman of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and a farmer from Trenton.     
    “A few extra moments of caution far outweigh possible accidents,” he said.