In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in grain entrapment cases across the United States. These incidents have raised alarm bells as they can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations if proper safety measures are not followed. To address this issue and prevent tragic accidents, Nationwide has launched its Grain Bin Safety program, which provides specialized equipment and training to first responders.

Two recent incidents serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with grain bins. In Indiana, an individual became engulfed in a grain bin on January 1, 2024. Just three days later, two more individuals were trapped in a grain bin in Arkansas. Thanks to the prompt response of local first responders and their use of the specialized equipment and training provided by Nationwide's Grain Bin Safety program, all three victims were successfully rescued.

The statistics surrounding grain entrapments are alarming. In 2022 alone, there were at least 42 reported grain entrapments, the highest number in a decade. This represents a 44.8% increase from the previous year, with 15 fatalities resulting from these incidents. The dangers of grain bins are further highlighted by the fact that an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain in just four seconds, and be fully engulfed in just 20 seconds. Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres is the leading cause of death in grain accidents.

Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, "Grain bins pose very serious dangers to workers as entrapments can escalate quickly and are life threatening if proper safety procedures aren't followed when working in or around them." He also acknowledged that while progress has been made in addressing this industry issue, more work needs to be done.

To raise awareness of the dangers of working in grain bins and promote a zero-entry mentality, Nationwide initiated Grain Bin Safety Week in 2014. This year, Grain Bin Safety Week will take place from February 18th to 24th, 2024. The week-long event aims to bring national attention to the issue and encourage safety measures among those working in or around grain bins.

A significant component of Grain Bin Safety Week is the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest. This contest allows individuals to nominate their local fire departments to receive specialized rescue training and equipment. Since its inception, Nationwide and its partners have awarded 332 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 32 states, amounting to over $1 million in resources. Ten successful rescues, including the recent incidents in Arkansas and Indiana, have utilized these resources.

Dan Neenan, director at the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), emphasized the importance of equipping rural fire departments with the necessary training and equipment. He stated, "Time is of the essence when responding to these accidents and rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment takes place in their region."

Nationwide collaborates with NECAS each year to deliver the rescue equipment and provide safety training. The partnership aims to ensure that first responders have the necessary resources to respond effectively to grain entrapment incidents.

For those interested in getting involved or learning more about the Grain Bin Safety program, visit the official website at www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com. The program and Grain Bin Safety Week would not be possible without the support of generous partners such as KC Supply, IN Corn Marketing, Horizon Farm Credit, CHS, and many others.

Grain bins pose serious risks to workers, but with the proper safety measures and the support of programs like Nationwide's Grain Bin Safety, lives can be saved. By raising awareness and equipping first responders with the necessary tools, we can work towards preventing tragic accidents in grain structures and ensuring the safety of those working in the agricultural industry.