LANSING, Mich. (March 27, 2023) – The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) and Michigan farm organization leaders are spotlighting safety during the nationwide Stand Up For Grain Safety Week, March 27-31, 2023. “As planting approaches and we look ahead to another strong season for Michigan agriculture, it’s critical that we all remember the top priority: Getting everyone home safely at the end of the day,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of MABA. “We’re glad to see our member businesses that handle grain and animal feed take extra time this week to spotlight safety for their employees. We encourage everyone to keep safety top of mind this year.” “Michigan corn growers are looking forward to the start of another planting season,” said Jim Zook, executive director of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. “As growers take to the fields, we appreciate efforts to highlight best practices for safety on the farm. We wish all of Michigan’s farmers a safe, happy and productive planting season.” According to Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski, a Tuscola County farmer, more than two-thirds of U.S. grain storage is on-farm. “As farmers we know the dangers that grain storage can present, but we also know that every grain entrapment is preventable,” Bednarski said. “We encourage anyone involved with grain storage to take time to think about what steps they can take to keep themselves, their family members, and their employees safe.” A range of virtual training activities and resources are planned throughout the week – detailed at www.standup4grainsafety.org. Since the 1970s, Purdue University has documented incidents across the nation involving grain storage and handling facilities at both commercial and on-farm locations. Its 2021 report – the most recent available – showed that no fewer than 23 fatal and 36 non-fatal cases involving agricultural confined spaces were documented in 2021, representing a 7.8% decrease over the 64 cases in 2020. Additionally, there were no fewer than 29 grain related entrapments in 2021 representing a 17.1% decrease over 2020. Safety resources provided by the National Grain and Feed Association, available at https://www.ngfa.org/safety, cover many important topics dealing with grain. Farmers and grain facility employees are reminded to follow safe grain handling protocols. Anyone working with grain storage is reminded to: Always follow all established company policies and procedures Avoid entering grain bins if at all possible Turn off and lock out potentially hazardous energy sources Never walk on or “walk down” grain to make it flow Never enter on or below bridged grain Test the bin’s atmosphere before entry Maintain appropriate staff on-site to assist Ensure that rescue equipment is serviceable and available MABA will highlight safety best practices via the association’s Facebook and Twitter accounts during the week. # # #
