Farmers learn grain handling safety

Firefighters are seen responding to a welding truck explosion at the Pontiac grain elevator in 2010 (WJEZ file photo).

LEXINGTON – Grain engulfment, falls and dust explosions were among the items covered during a safety breakfast Wednesday, hosted by the Livingston and McLean County Farm Bureaus along with Prairie Central Co-Op.

A group of farmers filled the Lexington Community Center to learn of possible farm dangers.  John Lee, with the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, says there have been several fatal accidents in the Midwest during the past several years.

“2010 saw 51 people killed in grain bins from engulfment. In 2011, there was a big explosion in Kansas that killed six people.  Also, some underage kids were killed in Oklahoma. Agriculture is on the radar of government regulators.  We don’t want people to get hurt,” said Lee.

Experts say farmers and elevator employees should follow proper bin entry procedures by not knocking down grain and using a secured lifeline and safety harness.  Also, good housekeeping procedures should be followed to prevent the accumulation of combustible dust.

Also at the breakfast, farmers had the chance to get questions answered from an Illinois State Police trooper and sign up for a number of door prizes.