It’s well known known that working in and around grain bins is dangerous. In 2020, there were 64 documented agricultural-confined space-related cases, including 35 grain-related entrapments and 12 equipment entanglements, according to a report by Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department.
Grain bin entrapment is the most often identified hazard, but equipment handling, collapsing bins, fires, toxic fumes, and ladders are among the other equally hazardous situations that pose serious risks to worker safety. Regardless of the season, grain bin safety must be a year-round effort.
With any safety initiative, it’s essential to identify and understand all potential hazards.
The University of Minnesota Extension provides the following safety precautions to prevent grain-related incidents.
Work from outside of the bin.
Create a safe environment.
If you need to enter the bin, use proper safety precautions.
To raise awareness of the dangers and highlight the importance of implementing and following safe work procedures, Grain Bin Safety Week is observed annually during the third week of February. Contact the AssuredPartners Agribusiness team for additional safety resources and information on protecting your operations.
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