Two boys were visiting a farm. One was a relative of the farmer and the other was a friend. For some reason, they climbed to the top of a silo which was used for storage of grain. They entered the silo through a hatch at the top. The auger was running, creating a funnel effect in the grain. The boys were pulled down to their deaths.

This tragedy illustrates several facts about farm accidents. First, the victims are often children, and relatives of the farmer or farm worker – people unfamiliar with the hazards. Second, frequent causes of injuries or fatalities are moving machinery, confined spaces and engulfment in materials such as stored crops. In fact, most farm incidents occur in the farm yard, not the field. It is important the farm visitors be aware of the potential dangers, and that farm residents and workers closely supervise children and visitors.

The coroner’s jury recommended a number of safety devices the make silos such as this one safer. They recommended that signs warning of the dangers be posted outside the silo. Other recommendations included; a flashing light be installed to indicate the hatch at the top has been opened, and the auger should shut off automatically if the entry hatch is open. They also recommended that escape and rescue equipment such as ladders and harnesses be placed at easy-to-reach locations.