Harvest is the primary revenue time on many farms, and is also one of the peak periods for farm injuries and deaths. It only takes seconds for people to become helplessly trapped in flowing grain. Automated equipment has made handling of grain easy and fast. A high?capacity conveyor can move enough grain to submerge a 6-foot tall man in only 15 seconds. But, grain storage structures and handling equipment create hazardous work areas.

Although this cause of death is often overlooked by farm workers, last year was the deadliest in decades for grain bin accidents, according to a recent report from Purdue University. Researchers found 51 grain bin accidents in 2010, up from 38 in 2009. Of those accidents, 25 people died, five of them children under the age of 16.

Safety begins with proper rescue techniques. Better yet, steps should be taken to reduce the risk of injury or entrapment altogether. Safety precautions include turning off augers and other power equipment before entering bins; prohibiting walking on grain; providing a body harness with a lifeline for anyone going into a grain bin; and making sure there’s someone outside the bin who can help if something goes wrong. Safety Counts – Your Community Depends On It!