A new exhibit for the BEGRAINSAFE program launched by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is on display at Ag Days this week.
The interactive trade show display and a mobile entrapment trailer demonstration unit in the Westman Place Arena aim to help educate farmers about the risks associated with handling grain. The risks are rising, say farm safety officials.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of grain-related entrapments occurring across Canada,” said Glen Blahey, CASA’s agricultural health and safey specialist. Part of the reason is due to the larger volumes of grain being moved, with wet weather is heightening the risk.
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“More grain is being stored out of condition,” said Blahey. “The vast majority of grain entrapments situations occur as a result of out-of-condition stored grain.”
In 2015, seven persons died in grain entrapment incidents and in 2016 there were three more deaths.
There have been more requests for training of first responders called in to attempt challenging rescues in these situations. CASA has also been called on to provide more education on safe practices and procedures for grain handling and storage.
Entrapments can occur in various circumstances, including when someone attempts dislodge solidified grain, or attempts to walk on it. In 2009 a 63-year-old Manitoba farmer lost his life after entering a bin and attempting to break up a crust on grain that had bridged. He died when the grain collapsed on him.
