This can let bad workplace problems creep in. If a farm is below a certain size, OSHA has no jurisdiction. OSHA requires that large farms have all of this gear in place, but most of the injuries come from small farms. A farm that doesnРІР‚в„ўt follow proper lockout procedures, safety harnesses, or safety procedures can have this happen. There are safe ways to enter the top of a grain bin for inspection, but if the machinery is turned on then it can make the grain flow and pull the worker under. The third major danger is being in the bin while the grain is flowing out for transportation. These can often be big enough to stand on, but if they break then the collapse can trap a person.

As the grain drains, it can create a hollow underneath the caked part.

This is when caked grain clumps across a grain bin. This is the first major danger of grain bins.Р”Р„nother danger is a grain bridge. If it cakes on the sides, one pull of grain from the bottom and that structure can suddenly collapse and bury a farmer. This can cause caking in different locations inside the bin. Wet grain can stick to other grains and start to rot. Finally, if you get pulled under, suffocation and death quickly follow.Р”Р‡armers most often get trapped by flowing grain when they have to clear blockages inside the grain bin. Once you are trapped up to your knees, it can take hours to pull the grain away far enough so you can escape and can cause permanent damage in your legs from the pressure. Once the snow settles it compacts hard around whatever is trapped. Entrapment most often happens when the grain is emptied. It is estimated that about half of those entrapments are fatal. Why are they so dangerous?Р”Р‡lowing grain traps around 30-40 people a year, but itРІР‚в„ўs likely that the number of accidents is underreported.

Workers have to take plenty of precautions before using them. What you might not know is that those grain bins are dangerous places to work. The sight of growing corn and grain bins are common if you go driving in the countryside of Iowa.

Grain bin accident simulation