An Illinois grain cooperative's failure to ensure they followed required safety procedures contributed to how a 27-year-old worker suffered a partial right leg amputation when a paddle conveyor was left running when he and two other employees entered a soybean bin for cleaning. OSHA investigators determined the company violated OSHA's grain-handling safety and lockout/tagout regulations that require powered devices to be de-energized before workers enter bins.
OSHA found that the three employees were working over three unguarded holes in the bin which were above the conveyer when the incident occurred. The company failed to place a guard or cover over the holes leading to the equipment or utilize guardrails or travel restraint systems in order to protect the workers from falling into the equipment.
The agency has proposed penalties over $600,000, issuing four willful violations and one repeat violation for failing to:
Protect the three workers from falling into the sump holes.
De-energize equipment or use lockout/tagout methods to prevent the conveyer from operating when workers first entered the bin.
Lockout-tagout the outside leg distributor to prevent grain from entering and engulfing the employees while they worked in the bin.
Make sure the bin's atmosphere was tested before the workers entered.
From March 27-31, 2023, the National Grain and Feed Alliance will participate in its annual Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, focusing on making small changes for a big impact to improve safety.
The alliance has identified seven critical steps for grain safety:
Turn off/lockout equipment before entering a bin or performing maintenance.
Never walk down grain to make it flow.
Test the air in the bin before entering.
Use a safety harness and anchored lifeline.
Place a trained observer outside of the bin in case of an emergency.
Do not enter a bin where grain is built up on the side.
Control the accumulation of grain dust through housekeeping.
