From the office of MN Gov. Tim Walz & Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan

 

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Walz today proclaimed February 16 – 22, 2020, as Grain Bin Safety Week to draw attention to the rising incidence rates of accidents and deaths in and around grain bins.

“I grieve with the Minnesota families who have lost loved ones in these terrible accidents,” said Governor Walz. “Farming is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, but through awareness and education, we can work together to decrease the number of preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths.”

Ten people have died in farming-related accidents in Minnesota since June 2019. Grain bin accidents can occur in and around grain storage bins especially when grain is flowing, resulting in entrapment or suffocation. Data from the University of Purdue shows 307 reported cases of grain entrapment between 2007 and 2015.

The proclamation can be viewed here and below:

WHEREAS: Grain production, handling, and transportation is a significant industry in the United States; and

 

WHEREAS: The safety of farm and agricultural workers is of utmost important to the state; and

 

WHEREAS: It takes only seconds to be completely engulfed in flowing grain or overcome by oxygen-deficient atmospheres; and

 

WHEREAS: Due to increased training and more public awareness, deaths from grain bin entrapments declined until 2014, when 38 documented entrapments occurred nationally, resulting in 17 deaths; and

 

WHEREAS: According to Purdue University, there were 61 documented cases in 2018 of farm accidents that resulted in injury, fatality, or required emergency extrication by first responders, an increase of 13% over the 54 cases reported in 2017; and

 

WHEREAS: Grain Bin Safety Week is an annual observance to promote grain bin safety on farms and commercial grainhandling facilities; and

 

WHEREAS: Grain operators, farmers, and employees are encouraged to help reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage, through education, and awareness of hazards and safe work practices; and

 

WHEREAS: Grain Bin Safety Week is a collaborative effort by industry leaders and agricultural professionals working together; and

 

WHEREAS: Through education and awareness of hazards and safe work practices and procedures, we hope to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of February 16-22, 2020, as: GRAIN BIN SAFETY WEEK