Grain Bin Accidents Increase Nearly 10%

Life can change or end in only seconds in a grain bin.

“When you don’t take proper precautions, bad things happen,” says Brandon Hunnicutt, a Nebraska farmer and vice chair of the Nebraska Corn Board.

Statistics from across U.S. farms reinforce Hunnicutt’s claim. At least 67 fatal and non-fatal cases involving all types of agricultural confined spaces were documented in 2019. That represents a 9.8% increase over 2018, according to the Purdue Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities Report for 2019. Researchers say non-fatal cases are likely higher as they often go unreported.

For perspective on how serious the problem is, the report says the number of agricultural confined space-related fatalities documented exceeded the number of mining-related fatalities in 2019 (39 versus 24).

Hunnicutt talked with AgriTalk Host Chip Flory about ways farmers can minimize their risks with grain bins, focusing on the annual, free Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week event, which is underway.

The event offers a variety of educational materials and presentations for farmers and agricultural employers. Each day offers a specific focus, including:
•    Wednesday: Impact of Grain Quality on Safety
•    Thursday: Bin Safety
•    Friday: Emergency Action Plans

Complete details on the program are available here: https://standup4grainsafety.org/

The program is supported in partnership by OSHA, the National Grain and Feed Association and a host of other agricultural associations and companies.

Hunnicutt's discussion with Flory is available here:

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