As a kid, I spent a lot of time working on my grandparents’ farm. When I was 13, my uncle and I were working in the silo after filling it. Before entering, we ran the ventilation what we thought was long enough and went up to do some work. We almost became statistics. I remember feeling slightly woozy that day, but it wasn’t until the next day it hit us. My uncle had to go to the hospital, but I wasn’t quite as bad off. I’d never felt that weak in my life. Silo gas was the culprit. We weren’t exposed to quite enough to drop us then and there, but we’ll never know how close it was.

Every year, many farm families face tragedies like what my incident could easily have been. A family just a few miles away from where I grew up in Alexandria is still learning to cope with the loss off three loved ones from silo gas. According the Department of Agriculture, grain bins claimed at least eight lives in 2019. Silos don’t claim as many, but when they do, it’s often multiple fatalities as family members attempt to rescue their loved one.

A farmer is 800% more likely to die while working than other occupational workers. Add to that the fact that many kids live on the very farms their families work, and that leads to children being exposed to many of the same occupational risks as their parents. On the positive side, that leads to many farm kids growing up with unequaled work ethic and understanding of how the world works, but it comes with some sobering risks.

As a safety trainer and consultant, and a firefighter, I’m often involved in training. My hope is that a training I teach will prevent me from having to utilize the rescue training I’m taught. While by no means all-inclusive, here’s some best practices to encourage our area farmers to go home safe each day:

• Never enter grain bins and bodily try to dislodge grain. Engulfment can be immediate. Utilize a harness and lanyard, or better yet, another method of dislodging the grain that doesn’t require entry.

• If you must enter a silo after filling, ventilate it for at least 20 minutes prior to entry. Remain in contact with somebody outside who can immediately summon help if something goes wrong, but they should never attempt to rescue, as they are certain to be overcome as well.

• Outfit equipment with cameras for backing. Cameras and monitors can be found for under $100 and can greatly improve your field of view so you don’t back over children.

• Ensure all workers who handle anhydrous ammonia have had proper safety training. Anhydrous ammonia has many dangers and many who handle it don’t understand all its properties.

• Keep chemicals secure. Don’t get complacent with treated seed, pesticides and other chemicals that can harm children and pets. Wear the proper PPE when handling them.

Stay safe as we approach planting season.

Brad Kramer

Albert Lea