Grain Bin Safety During Harvest Season

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(By Christian County Extension Agent Matt Futtrell)

As we dive deeper and deeper into harvest season it is crucial that we practice safe procedures for grain bin entry and maintenance. Grain entrapment can take only seconds, and have dire consequences.

Over the last 50 years, more than 900 cases of grain entrapments have been reported in the United States, and have resulted in a 62 percent fatality rate. Grain entrapment is usually caused by grain that goes out of condition resulting in clumping, bridging, cones, pyramids, and other problems with grain unloading.

It is important to store grain in the proper condition, dry and cool, to prevent these instances from occurring. If you must enter a grain bin or truck make sure you are properly trained. A proper grain entry protocol should be followed. A good protocol includes Lock out / Tag out procedures, a harness, an anchored lifeline, and an attendant for spotting.

Grain handling training can be found at the Grain Handling Safety Coalition, or at your local Cooperative Extension Service. Don’t let your dive into harvest season be a deadly one.