WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderGrain bin tragedy reinforces crucial safety precautions

Grain bin tragedy reinforces crucial safety precautions

By Marissa Alter

WREX (WINNEBAGO COUNTY) - Yesterday's tragedy in Mt. Carroll shows why safety should be number one for people working in and around grain bins. A local ag expert says first and foremost, recognize the job's hazards. Realize that if those tiny grains start to flow, they can suffocate a person.

"It's something we're always afraid might happen," says Winnebago County Farm Bureau President Earl Williams, "so as a farmer, you need to keep that in mind, that the grain could trap somebody in a bin."

That's why there are rules. Never enter a grain bin alone. Have at least one person, but preferably two, at the bin in case problems arise.

"It only takes about this much grain for you to be standing in to make it impossible to get your feet out and move."

A few seconds can make a person helpless in flowing grain, not much longer to be completely buried and start to suffocate. Moving grain won't support the weight and will pull a victim down.

"You should have--especially in a big bin with high grain--a safety harness. And when you come down [into the bin], you stay around the outside of the bin. You don't go to the center of the bin."

Crusted grain can give the false indication that it's safe to stand on the grain's surface without falling through. Another tip, break up crusted grain from the outside of the bin using a long pole.

"My big concern is people stop, think, and try to do the job safely with the proper equipment and proper number of people."

Williams couldn't comment specifically on the situation in Mt. Carroll, but says he does feel a sense of loss as someone in the industry.