Editor's note: This story is part of our ongoing series Rethinking Grain Bin Safety, where we're talking with families who've experienced close calls and lost loved ones in and around grain systems.
More grain is now produced, stored and moved into on-farm facilities than any time in U.S. history. Unfortunately, this has spurred an uptick in grain engulfment injuries and fatalities, said Dan Neenan, director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
In 2024 alone, at least 34 grain entrapments were documented, a 25% increase from 2023, according to Nationwide, a financial services and insurance company. Nationwide officials noted 584 documented entrapments occurred between 2007 and 2024. It’s estimated that an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
The good news?
“Grain bin entrapments are preventable if we follow the right procedures entering into the confined space of a grain bin,” Neenan said.
Here are four guidelines regarding how they occur, what to do if you become entrapped and how to prevent them:
1. How do grain entrapments occur? Grain that goes out of condition in storage can form a crust inside the bin that interferes with unloading grain.
“In order to keep grain flowing, sometimes an operator will try to break up that crust,” said Erin Cumings, Nationwide senior consultant of sponsor relations.
This can trigger tragedy.
“As the loose grain continues to flow and the crusted grain breaks away, the grain can potentially fall onto the farmer, or the farmer can fall into the grain itself and become trapped,” Neenan said. “For a farmer to become completely buried within the grain with very little hope for survival, even a small amount of grain can be dangerous and can cause injury. All it takes is 20 seconds.”
2. What should I do if I become entrapped? That cap you often wear can be a lifesaver.
“As you’re going under and you get grain in your nose, your automatic response is to open your mouth,” Neenan said. “So, now you've got grain in both your mouth and your nose. Moist grain that swells in the person’s airway is what causes the fatality. If you’re going under, take the cap off and get it over the top of your mouth and your nose.”
3. How do I safely enter a grain bin? Entering a grain bin is never recommended, but if it’s necessary, follow these steps, Neenan said:
Make sure all access to power controls is locked. Using this lockout procedure can prevent accidental starts while you're inside the grain bin.
Secure a safety harness and lifeline to your body. Before entering a grain bin, make sure that the harness fits snugly and that the lifeline is securely anchored outside of the bin. Use of a respirator also is recommended.
Use a ladder to climb into the grain bin. Make sure it is securely anchored to the bin and the ground.
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when working around grain bins. This includes hard hats and safety glasses.
Look out for crusting. If grain has become bridged or crusted, use a long pole to break it up from a safe distance outside before entering the bin.
Find a buddy. Never enter a grain bin alone. Always have somebody outside the bin to monitor your progress and respond to emergencies.
Keep open communication. Use hand signals or two-way radios to communicate with the person outside of the bin while wearing ear protection.
Use extra caution. When exiting the grain bin, use the ladder and take care not to slip on the grain or debris.
4. What should I do if a family member or employee becomes entrapped? Call an emergency response team, such as a fire department, Neenan said. When making a safety plan, inquire about professional training and the tools used for such rescues.
One tool commonly used in a grain structure rescue is a grain rescue tube. This is lowered into the bin and used to create a barrier between the trapped individual and the flowing grain.
Another tool that's often used in conjunction with the rescue tube is a rescue auger. This removes grain from around the trapped individual.
For more information on preventing grain bin entrapments and other information regarding National Farm Safety and Health Week, this year from Sept. 21-25, go to necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek.