Grain bin accidents have been on the rise recently with farmers getting caught in grain bins and suffocating. SDSU Extension Youth Farm Safety Specialist John Keimig says the unusually wet year in 2019 caused a lot of wet grain to be stored and dried. He says that’s caused more safety problems.
He says if farmers don’t have to enter the bin, don’t. Keimig advises trying to get grain unstuck from outside of the grain bin first.
Keimig says farmers need to make sure they have someone with them when they enter the grain bin. They also need to keep moving once inside and wear a mask to protect against grain dust getting in their lungs.
Keimig also advises farmers to make sure they work from the outside of the grain bin and stay away from the center. He adds it’s important to have some type of harness on or at least a rope nearby you can grab onto.
