GRAIN BIN ENTRAPMENTS INCREASED IN 2014

Lindsay Mitchell

May 07, 2015  |  Today's News

Injuries and deaths as a result of grain bin entrapments rose last year according to data recently released by Purdue University researchers.

According to the data, the 70 noted cases in 2014 represent a 4 percent increase from 2013.  The data only includes reported cases; several injuries go unreported each year.

As farmers around the state think about emptying grain bins this summer to make room for 2015 grain, safety is important, especially for younger adults and teenagers helping through the summer months.

The Illinois Grain Rescue Tube Locator app can also help.  Released late last year, the tool uses a GPS system to locate the nearest grain rescue tube, a key component when saving farm workers from being smothered in grain-filled storage bins.

Illinois Corn Marketing Board, together with the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, built the tool to save lives and to help build awareness that grain bin entrapments and engulfments make agriculture one of the most dangerous industries in Illinois.

“IL Corn began building this app to try to fill a need for more lifesaving equipment,” said Lou Lamoreux, Illinois Corn Marketing Board chairman.  “Every year, we see farmers getting into grain bins when we all know that we shouldn’t and every year someone passes away because of this mistake.  This app will help ensure that a grain rescue tube can always be located nearby.”

Download the app today.  But instead of ever needing to use it, let the act of downloading the tool remind you to never put yourself into a precarious or dangerous situation.