Grain safety refers to the practices and precautions taken to ensure the safe handling, storage and transportation of grain to prevent hazards such as grain entrapment, dust explosions, spoilage and contamination. It is crucial for workers in the agriculture and grain industry to follow proper safety protocols to avoid accidents and health risks.
With Grain Safety Week (March 24-28, 2025), it’s a reminder of the critical steps for how to stay safe around grain.
The following are different aspects of grain safety with steps to avoid hazards:
- Grain Bin Safety
- Avoid entering grain bins when grain is flowing to prevent entrapment and suffocation. An article from the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health shows how entrapment happens, explains how to prevent it, and provides information on how to create a lifeline.
- Use a harness and lifeline when entry is necessary.
- Have an observer present when entering bins.
- Dust Explosion Prevention
- Control grain dust levels through proper ventilation and housekeeping.
- Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in grain storage facilities.
- Prevent ignition sources, such as open flames or sparks, near grain storage areas.
- Proper Storage and Handling
- Maintain correct moisture levels to prevent spoilage and mold growth.
- Use proper aeration and drying techniques to keep grain in good condition.
- Regularly inspect grain bins and silos for structural integrity.
- Equipment Safety
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures should be followed before servicing machinery.
- Avoid loose clothing near augers, conveyors and elevators to prevent entanglement.
- Train workers on the safe use of grain handling equipment.
- Health Considerations
- Wear respiratory protection when working in dusty environments. Read how to properly fit a respiratory mask here.
- Be aware of toxic gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, fumigants) in confined spaces.
- Watch for signs of heat stress when working in hot conditions.
Following proper grain safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities in the grain handling industry. By prioritizing grain safety, workers stay protected, businesses run smoothly, and grain products remain high-quality.
Resources
- Nominate Your Fire Department — Nationwide Insurance and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety each year host a program that awards grain rescue tubes and hands-on training in using the tubes. Here's how to nominate a community.
- Preparing Grain Bins for Harvest talks about how to prepare them and treat/fumigate if necessary.
- Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, provides research and information for farmers. Health projects engage producers throughout the seven-state region.
- Avoid Risks When Working Around Grain Handling and Processing Equipment
- Fast Facts on grain safety from the Grain Handling Safety Coalition.
- U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers provides videos to watch showing what can happen with entrapment.
- Grain Handling Safety Coalition. Videos and downloadable courses on a number of aspects of stored grain safety, from reducing grain bin entry risks to the installation of a lifeline.
- Entrapment Risks Due to Flowing Grain
- Grain Storage Safety
- Caught in the Grain! talks about the hazards of flowing grain and how to prevent a grain entrapment situation.
