Grain Bin Safety Picture This

What’s wrong in this picture? Suffocation is a leading cause of death in grain storage bins, according to OSHA. Even if a person isn’t trapped in grain, gases from spoiling grain or fumigants and molds can be toxic and can cause permanent central nervous system damage, heart, and vascular disease, and even cancer.

Grain bin deaths and injuries are particularly challenging because it can a long period of time for rescue personnel to reach isolated farm areas, and emergency crews often don’t have the equipment needed and/or are not trained in the specialized techniques needed for rescue from a grain bin.

The average rescue time for someone in a grain engulfment is 3.5 hours. That’s an awfully long time to be trapped in a mountain of grain — particularly if it’s in hot weather and you’re dealing with oxygen deficiency and potentially hazardous gases and dust.”

Putting safety measures in place, having proper equipment on hand, and ensuring that all farm personnel are trained in what to do in case of a grain bin accident can “pay a huge return on the investment of money and time,”