From 2014 to 2023, 315 people were trapped in grain bins in the United States, and Iowa had the most in the entire country

Harvest season is still a few months away, but the Henry County Farm Bureau is getting a jump on promoting grain bin safety.

From 2014 to 2023, 315 people fell into grain bins and couldn't get out. Iowa saw the most at 55, and Illinois came in third at 32.

It can take just seconds to get trapped in a grain bin. That's where Bishop Hill Fire Department Fire Chief Greg Peck, and the Bishop Hill Grain Rescue Team, jump into action.

"If you get to your waist, they say it takes 600 pounds to remove you from the grain," Peck said.

Using ropes and pulleys, they rig up a metal tube.

"We will encompass the person that is trapped, then we will start removing the grain and get a safety harness on him as soon as possible," Peck said.

But it's far from a quick operation. It takes at least an hour for Peck's team to deploy and even longer to set up. That's why they come to events like the Henry County Farm Bureau's "Safety Starts with You" event.

"I and the rest of the team would rather spend the time here telling you how not to get entrapped in grain versus going to have to remove you," Peck said.

Here are some of his biggest tips:

  • Stay out of grain bins unless absolutely necessary
  • Wear a harness that's secured outside the bin if you have to get in
  • Tell a friend or neighbor what you're doing so they can get help

"There's nothing in there that is worth you losing your life for," Peck said.

For other kinds of farm accidents, like equipment injuries or cardiac events, giving first aid can help someone hang on until first responders arrive.

"Having training for CPR and being able to do something rather than nothing in that situation can really help hopefully give that person the best chance of survival," Robert Stricklan, training compliance account manager for Cintas First Aid and Safety, said.

He said the right knowledge and tools are especially important on farms, where it can take EMS longer to show up.

Peck said any farmer is at risk of injury or death on the job, no matter how experienced.

"The old mentality is, 'I've done this a thousand times I can do it again.' One of these times you're gonna get caught," Peck said.