BOONVILLE, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is urging farmers to review grain storage safety procedures with employees and family members before harvest begins.
Field specialist Todd Lorenz says flowing grain can trap a person within seconds. An adult can sink to knee depth in about four seconds and become completely covered in roughly 20 seconds. The force surrounding a trapped person can make escape nearly impossible.
Lorenz urges farmers to avoid entering a grain bin alone. Anyone entering should have another person outside who can maintain contact and summon emergency help.
Before entry, shut down grain handling equipment and lock out its power sources. Use a properly anchored harness and restraint system. Stay off crusted or bridged grain, which can conceal empty spaces beneath the surface and collapse without warning.
Lorenz also recommends reviewing procedures with seasonal employees before equipment starts running. Keeping grain at appropriate moisture levels and temperatures can help prevent spoilage and reduce situations that require bin entry.
Farmers should inspect storage equipment regularly and secure bin entrances to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children. Hardened grain should be loosened from outside the bin.
The reminder comes ahead of National Farm Safety and Health Week activities Sept. 21-25. Confined space hazards are the focus on Thursday, Sept. 24.
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