By Andi Anderson
Grain handling can be a dangerous task, especially during harvest time. In response to numerous accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has expanded its safety emphasis program, recently adding Missouri to a list of states that require additional safety measures for grain bin handling. This move follows several grain entrapment accidents, with 27 cases reported last year in the U.S.
The risks of grain bin work are serious. Grain can clump or create air pockets inside the bin, often causing blockages. If workers attempt to fix these issues by entering the bin, they risk becoming trapped or engulfed.
According to safety experts, this danger is compounded when workers ignore the rule to avoid entering grain bins filled with grain. Walking on the grain can cause workers to sink into it quickly. In just five seconds, the grain can trap a person, making escape nearly impossible.
The increased safety focus also emphasizes preventing other grain bin-related hazards, such as machinery entanglements and grain dust explosions.
These incidents can be deadly; explosions caused by machinery sparks are rare but often fatal. Since 2010, safety improvements have been implemented, but accidents still occur due to the dangerous nature of grain storage work.
OSHA’s new focus on high-risk states, like Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, aims to enhance workplace safety in these regions.
The program encourages companies to make safety a priority and address the root causes of accidents, which are often preventable. Employers are urged to reinforce safety practices and train workers to avoid life-threatening mistakes.
The Midwest and Great Plains states see a significant number of grain bin accidents, with Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois reporting the highest numbers. By prioritizing safety in these areas, OSHA hopes to reduce incidents and protect workers in one of agriculture’s most hazardous areas.
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Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture