Grain engulfment or suffocation can happen in seconds. Make a commitment to not work alone around grain. Create a labor resource plan to help ensure trained professionals are ready when needed.
Working alone in the grain industry is common and can be viewed by some as a perk. It can be tempting to work alone when the job is urgent, and no one is around to help. However, this is one of the biggest hazards. Some jobs should never be done alone.
Never enter a grain bin alone
Entering a grain bin, silo, or tank requires a minimum of two people: the person entering the bin and a reliable observer outside. The observer's sole job is to maintain visual or verbal communication with the person inside. If the person in the bin becomes unresponsive or trapped, the observer should call for emergency services and never enter the bin.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) grain handling standards and safe-work procedures for grain bin entry provide valuable guidelines for working safely in and around grain bins. While these guidelines are specifically for commercial grain handling facilities, they can also help grain farmers develop plans to maintain high safety standards. That’s why we recommend that grain workers make a three-word commitment to themselves, their families, and friends: Don’t work alone. This pledge requires planning and discipline, but consistent adherence can help prevent severe injury and death.
Farm operations require significant planning, from financial and marketing to agronomic and daily job duties. Developing a labor resource plan to ensure no one works alone should be equally important. It plays a critical role in creating a safe work environment and can help provide farmers with resources for assistance.
Tips for safe grain handling
Do your homework
OSHA’s grain handling standard 29 CFR 1910.272 contains industry-specific information to help create safer work procedures for bin entry. This information, while intended for commercial facilities, can be adapted for smaller farm operations.
Stay relevant and up to date
New products and tools are available to improve safety when working in or around grain bins. There are also more resources and opportunities to learn from others in the industry. Be cautious when seeking advice, as not all new products or free advice apply to every situation.
Consider your specific situation
The type and condition of the commodity being handled can significantly impact grain movement. Ensure workers have the right knowledge, assistance, and equipment. This is especially important at farm facilities where children may be involved or at commercial facilities with inexperienced workers.
Communicate your expectations
Effective training, often site-specific, should include safety expectations and emergency procedures. Workers must know they should never work alone inside a grain storage structure. Safety training can be provided by experienced personnel, local experts, or specialized industry professionals.
Plan for language barriers
Recognize when language barriers might hinder communication and plan accordingly. Warning signs or written directions may not help if workers don’t understand the language, and translation apps may not work without cell service.
Keep everyone on the same page
As your facility and knowledge evolve, re-evaluate your needs and adjust your training and safety protocols. Situations will vary by year, season, commodity type, and available resources.
Focus on all workers
Bin entry problems can arise from inattentive observers or experienced employees bypassing safety protocols. Both can be detrimental to overall site safety.
Committing to never working alone is a huge step toward a safer operation. Building and maintaining a labor resource plan that includes grain safety training for all workers can also help you maintain a safe, productive working environment. To stay safe, follow these key tips: adhere to OSHA standards, keep up with new safety tools, consider your specific situation, communicate expectations, plan for language barriers, keep everyone informed, and focus on all workers, including top performers. Safety is a shared responsibility, and proactive steps can make a substantial difference in protecting workers and ensuring a safer work environment.