The Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging Illinois farmers to review gain bin safety procedures in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week.
Purdue University research found more than 900 cases of grain entrapment in the last 50 years, with more than half of those reports being fatal.
"Unfortunately, Problems involving grain flow can snowball quickly. That's why it's important to set aside time to go over safety measures, to prepare farmers for a potential grain bin emergency,' said IDOA Director, Jerry Costello ll.
Officials say farmers should avoid entering grain bins whenever possible, but if you must enter the bin, you should:
• Break up the crusted grain from the outside with a long pole.
• Wear a harness attached to a properly secured rope.
• Stay near the outer wall of the bin and keep walking if grain begins to follow.
• Have another person outside the bin who can help you if you become entrapped.
Grain Bin Safety week is from February 19-25.