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Grain Safety Week underscores prevention, preparedness   

Agribusiness leaders are taking a stand for grain bin safety as fatality rates remain high among entrapment cases.

Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu tells Brownfield, “Making sure that everybody goes home safe every day is the absolute top priority for anyone working in agriculture, whether you’re working on a farm or working at a rural business working with grain.”

A recent report by Purdue University finds grain entrapment is the leading cause of confined space-related injuries and fatalities in agriculture.

“Once an individual is entrapped in grain, it is very difficult to extricate them,” he explains. “We’ve had instances unfortunately in Michigan in recent years, including at least one here in the last few months. Luckily, there have been circumstances where the local fire and rescue services were able to get them out, but is not a situation we want to see anybody in.”

Lippstreu says his organization for the first time has sponsored challenge coins Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development inspectors will be issuing throughout the year to honor exploratory focus on safety.

“It’s zero cost to state government, it’s just a great way to build the relationship between inspectors and the regulated community and a great way to recognize good work that’s being done out there,” he explains.

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, March 24-28, is supported through a National Alliance Agreement which includes the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Grain and Feed Association, Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and Grain Handling Safety Council.