Grain Bin Safety Week Podcast from Nebraska Extension in Holt and Boyd Counties

Grain Bin Safety Week - February 22, 2024 - Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator

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• [0:00] This is Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension and today’s extension update.
• [0:05] This week is Grain Bin Safety Week, February 18-24th.
• [0:09] Over two-thirds of the US grain is stored on the farm
• [0:13] without OSHA standards for safety protocols.
• [0:16] So let’s take a look at six facts related
• [0:19] to injuries and fatalities from grain bins.
• [0:22] 1. In 2023, there was 19 billion bushels
• [0:26] of corn and soybeans stored in the US.
• [0:30] 2. In 2022, at least 42 grain entrapments were reported,
• [0:36] the highest number of entrapments in a decade - with 15 fatalities.
• [0:41] 3. Of those entrapments, 5 involved youth under the age of 21.
• [0:47] 4. In 4 seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and
• [0:53] be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance.
• [0:57] In 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.
• [1:02] 5. Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres
• [1:06] is the leading cause of death in grain accidents and finally
• [1:11] 6. More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade.
• [1:17] It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
• [1:22] These statistics are eye opening and scary.
• [1:26] To better understand how grain bin entrapments and injuries occur,
• [1:30] it is important to understand the four types of grain bin entrapments.
• [1:33] Understanding these situations and they present can help when an emergency arises.
• [1:39] 1. Flowing column of grain – This occurs when the flow pattern
• [1:44] of this type resembles a funnel, taking on whirlpool-like behavior.
• [1:49] As the grain descends from the top of the bin wall, it gains speed,
• [1:52] converging it into a small, vertical column at the center.
• [1:56] As a result, this central column moves downward through the grain mass,
• [2:00] maintaining a pace close to that of the unloading auger.
• [2:05] 2. Horizontal crusted grain surface collapse -
• [2:09] this presents itself when crusted and spoiled
• [2:11] grain combines into one element, causing a false sense of security.
• [2:16] Empty spots hide beneath the surface, posing a risk of falling and collapsing.
• [2:22] 3. Vertical crusted grain surface collapse – is arises when spoiled and compacted
• [2:29] grain takes the shape of a vertical column, giving off the perspective of a solid wall.
• [2:34] However, it is unstable and can collapse if tampered with.
• [2:39] And finally entrapment with suffocation – this takes effect when a farmer
• [2:43] and/or employee attempts to break up compacted grain.
• [2:47] Though the grain seems stable, it can have weak spots and give way.
• [2:51] This happens suddenly and typically buries the person partially or entirely.
• [2:57] Now finally lets explore the basic safety practices to protecting yourself, your
• [3:03] families and our agricultural community from grain bin-engulfment tragedies.
• [3:07] 1. Prepare for an emergency – establish an emergency plan
• [3:12] with a neighbor, family member or friend in case of an accident.
• [3:16] 2. Stay Out of grain bins if possible – properly aerate and keep grain in
• [3:22] good condition to minimize clumped or encrusted grain.
• [3:26] Only enter bins when there is no other option to perform the necessary work.
• [3:33] 3. Never enter alone – if you must enter,
• [3:37] ensure there are no engulfment hazards present.
• [3:40] Have a friend, neighbor or family member present
• [3:44] as an observer outside the bin when you enter and make sure
• [3:47] you maintain direct communication during the entire process.
• [3:51] Instruct them on shut down and safety procedures in case of an incident.
• [3:57] 4. Shut down equipment – shut down and lock the
• [4:01] energy source in the off position of any equipment that can entangle you,
• [4:06] cause you to be pulled into flowing grain or engulf you from above.
• [4:11] And finally wear a body harness – keep a lifeline attached to your
• [4:16] harness unless wearing it increase your chances of entanglement.
• [4:21] In those cases, have it immediately accessible outside of the grain bin
• [4:25] and make sure your observer knows where it is.
• [4:28] If you want more information on how to prevent and be prepared
• [4:32] for grain bin accidents visit the grain handling safety
• [4:36] coalition at grainsafety.org or University of Nebraska Medical
• [4:40] Center - Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.
• [4:45] This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.