On October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an expanded regional emphasis program aimed at addressing worker safety concerns in the grain handling industry. This five-year initiative seeks to reduce the alarming number of preventable deaths, amputations, and injuries in the region.
Rising Fatalities and Injuries in the Grain Industry
The dangers in grain handling facilities have been well-documented, and OSHA’s latest statistics reveal the severity of the issue. From October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023, there were three fatalities, 13 amputations, and 36 hospitalizations related to grain handling across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. OSHA responded with 104 inspections and 131 complaints or referrals about hazardous conditions during that time.
The grain industry is notoriously high-risk due to hazards such as combustible dust explosions, engulfment in grain bins, confined space entry, falls, machinery entanglements, electrical shocks, and struck-by incidents. OSHA Regional Administrator Billie A. Kizer emphasized that the goal of this program is to target high-risk worksites, urging employers to prioritize safety and address the root causes of these incidents.
Key Hazards in Grain Handling Facilities
Grain handling facilities—whether grain elevators, storage sites, or milling operations—pose numerous dangers to workers. The most common hazards include:
- Engulfment in Grain Bins: Workers can be trapped and suffocate in seconds when grain shifts unexpectedly.
- Combustible Dust Explosions: Accumulated grain dust can ignite, causing explosions that result in loss of life and significant property damage.
- Mechanical Entanglements: Augers and conveyors present serious entanglement risks, often leading to amputations.
- Falls: Working from heights is common in grain facilities, and falls are a frequent cause of injuries and fatalities.
- Electrical Shock and Electrocution: Grain facilities often involve a complex array of electrical systems, creating the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
How IFO Group Can Help Ensure Compliance and Safety
At IFO Group, we understand the importance of workplace safety in high-hazard industries. Our team of safety experts is here to support businesses as they navigate OSHA’s expanded regional emphasis program and meet compliance requirements. Here are a few of our services that would prove to be helpful to those in the grain handling industry:
Mock OSHA Audits: Identify and correct potential hazards before an OSHA inspection. Our comprehensive audits focus on the specific risks associated with grain handling facilities and provide actionable solutions.
Combustible Dust Assessments: We help facilities develop and implement proper housekeeping protocols to minimize dust accumulation and prevent dust-related explosions.
Mechanical Integrity Audits: Ensure all machinery, such as conveyors and augers, is properly maintained and guarded to prevent entanglements and amputations.
Confined Space and Fall Protection Training: Our training programs equip workers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely navigate confined spaces and work at heights, reducing the risk of serious accidents.
Process Safety Management Consulting: IFO Group assists facilities in developing and maintaining robust safety management systems that align with OSHA regulations, ensuring the long-term safety of employees.
Proactive Steps for Employers
OSHA’s expanded regional emphasis program serves as a reminder for employers to take proactive measures. Partnering with experts like IFO Group can help you stay ahead of compliance, protect your workforce, and maintain operational efficiency. As the program will be active through September 2029, it is essential for grain handling employers to act now. Safety should always be a top priority in industries where the stakes are so high. For more information on how IFO Group can support your safety initiatives, contact us today at 832-403-2135 or at info@ifogroup.com.
