Grain bin safety is a matter of life and death. Although difficult to discuss, Grain Bin Safety Week is of utmost importance for raising awareness and understanding the risks associated with grain bin accidents. While these accidents are infrequent, their survival rates are dishearteningly low. Without proper resources and training in place, these outcomes are almost always fatal.

Grain Bin Safety Risks:

It takes only two to three seconds to become helplessly entrapped and less than 20 seconds to become fully engulfed. Many people are unaware that grain behaves like quicksand, making it nearly impossible to escape without assistance, regardless of your strength or physical capability. It requires a force of 400 pounds to lift a victim buried up to their waist in grain, and this struggle intensifies when someone is completely trapped, necessitating a 900-pound force. Another risk is entanglement, which is not commonly discussed. Moving machinery in grain storage facilities, such as augers and conveyors, poses a life changing risk of entanglement and amputation. Inadequately protected components increase the danger of workers’ limbs getting entangled. Proper guarding of equipment during grain storage structure operations is crucial to mitigate these risks. 

Making a Difference in Our Community:

Inspired by Hudson’s story and others like it, we sought to make a change in our community. The Corum and Hudson family, Rose Farms, and other local farmers provided resources to the Ethridge Fire Department and others in the area. By doing so, such resources gave first responders an opportunity to train with Tennessee Rescue Squads, where they (TRS) taught grain bin rescue and safety classes. Members of fire departments across the state dedicated countless hours to gaining knowledge and training. As a result, twelve fire departments have undergone local training and are fully certified to execute grain bin rescues successfully. Ethridge Fire Department, Lawrence County Fire and Rescue, and Lawrenceburg Fire Department of Tennessee now serve as Regional Response Teams for the state of Tennessee.

Thanks to the awareness raised in our community and the dedication of volunteers, we are now fully equipped and educated to provide assistance to victims in Lawrence County, Tennessee. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our responders for prioritizing our community’s safety and for everything they do to keep us safe!

How do we lower the risk of grain bin accidents moving forward?

1) EDUCATE YOURSELF on how to prevent grain bin accidents:

Go to National Grain and Feed Association’s safety tips regarding entanglements.

Go to Nationwide’s website to to learn more about general grain bin safety and entrapments.

2) GRAIN BIN WORKERS- know the rules and follow them!

• Turn off and lock out all equipment.
• Never walk on moving grain
• Equip employees with harness or boatswain’s chairs.
• Station an observer outside the bin.
• No entry under bridging or potential falling conditions.
• Implement specialized training for hazardous operations.
• Test air for combustible and toxic gases.
• Ventilate if needed.
• Issue a permit for every entry, certifying precautions.

Click HERE for more information about OSHA safety requirements.

3) Is your local fire department equipped for grain bin rescues?

If not, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company will accept nominations until April 30th. This contest awards grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to help first responders save lives. Click HERE to learn more.

Do not be naïve to think grain bin entrapment couldn’t happen to you. Let’s spread awareness about the serious risks associated with grain bins and work together to ensure the safety of our farming communities and loved ones.