Recent grain bin entrapments throughout Arkansas, southeast Missouri and Mississippi are reminders that storage, especially flowing grain, may become dangerous.
In a study of on-farm grain bin accidents gathered from the U.S. and Canada, few of the 197 victims survived. Rescue rarely occurred, and people who became entrapped died, according to the University of Arkansas Extension service.
Effective planning is the best prevention for most hazards, but it's vital to prevent suffocation or entrapment in stored grain where death is likely.
Here's how you can avoid becoming a victim:
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Don't work alone while unloading grain from a bin.
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Before entering a bin, have a plan in place that includes adequate response within seconds of an accident.
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Don't let anyone climb or walk into a bin without someone outside prepared for rescue.
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Make sure everyone who enters a bin or operates grain-handling systems understands the potential dangers.
