What’s wrong in this picture? Grain bin suffocation accidents, from entrapment or engulfment, are reminders that grain storage, especially flowing grain, may become very dangerous.
The term entrapment is used when a grain bin worker becomes buried in the grain beyond the point of self extraction. On the other hand, the term is used when a grain bin worker is completely buried or submerged beneath the surface of the grain.
Most entrapment and engulfment events occur because workers enter a bin or storage structure to check on condition of grain or to address problems with grain flow due to spoiled grain or equipment malfunction.
Grain engulfment and entrapment incidents are on the rise in recent years due to record harvests, larger storage facilities, and equipment that moves grain at faster rates than ever.
The best ways to prevent engulfment incidents are to eliminate the reasons for entering a bin in the first place, and to restrict unauthorized access by youth or other individuals who may be unaware of hazards