Grain-related entrapments most numerous in over a decade, and other accidents have increased, Purdue summary says

Grain bins can be death traps. (Purdue University photo)

Farms are full of confined or partially confined spaces that put farmworkers at risk, and 2022 was a hazardous year with "roughly a 40 percent increase in the number of reported cases involving agricultural confined spaces," according to the 2022 "Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities" from Purdue University. "The annual, widely used summary documents the previous year's frequency and causes of confined space and grain entrapment incidents in the agricultural industry and provides a historical analysis of agricultural confined space hazards," a university press release says.

"In 2022, the summary reported no fewer than 83 cases – 24 fatal and 59 nonfatal cases – involving agricultural confined spaces. This represents a 40.7% increase over the 59 cases in 2021. The authors explain that there are limitations in data collection as not every case may be reported. As a result, these numbers are approximate," the university reports. "In addition, of the total number of confinement cases, 42 grain-related entrapments represented a 44.8% increase over 2021. This was the highest number of reported grain entrapments in over a decade. According to the authors, grain entrapments are the most common type of agricultural confined space incident."

Edward Sheldon, one of the summary's authors, said they pointed out "the role of out-of-condition grain in grain entrapments. Many entrapments result from someone entering a bin or structure to break loose, clumped, spoiled grain. Keep the grain in good condition to eliminate the need to enter the bin. We strongly encourage farmers and agribusiness employers to recognize the hazards presented by confined spaces such as grain bins, silos and manure storage facilities, and use best management practices and effective training programs to keep their families and employees safe."

"Iowa reported the most agricultural confinement cases, at 24, and grain entrapment cases at nine. One female case was documented, which occurred inside a cotton module builder," Purdue reports. "Of 41 non-grain-related cases, incidents involved livestock waste handling facilities, entanglements inside confined spaces, falls from confined space structures and grain dust explosions or fires. . . . Sheldon urges farmers and agribusiness employers to utilize the educational resources outlined in the summary pointing them to other programs like Gearing Up for Safety. . . . This program offers a youth-oriented curriculum, also related to the hazards associated with agricultural confined spaces."