The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) is highlighting the importance of safety during the upcoming fall harvest season, joining the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) next week to mark the second annual Harvest Safety Week, August 31-September 4, 2020.
“Harvest season is a busy time for everyone in our industry, with increased traffic at grain facilities, demanding hours, and unpredictable challenges, so there’s no more important time to think about safety,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of MABA. “As we all implement new precautions and safety measures this year, it’s also important to take time to focus on basic safety protocols for anyone working around grain.”
SaFety resources provided by NGFA, available at www.ngfa.org/safety, cover many important topics. Especially during harvest, farmers and grain facility employees are reminded to follow safe grain handling protocols. Anyone working with grain storage is reminded to:
- Always follow all established company policies and procedures
- Avoid entering grain bins if at all possible
- Turn off and lock out potentially hazardous energy sources
- Never walk on or “walk down” grain to make it flow
- Never enter on or below bridged grain
- Test the bin’s atmosphere before entry
- Maintain appropriate staff on-site to assist
- Ensure that rescue equipment is serviceable and available
“Michigan is on track for a strong harvest with lots of grain moving, so it’s important for everyone to review and follow safety procedures,” said Robert Geers, Chairman of NGFA’s Country Elevator Committee and merchandising manager for Lansing-based Michigan Agricultural Commodities. “Safety is the top priority every day in our industry. During Harvest Safety Week and throughout harvest, companies across Michigan are reminding employees of grain safety protocols and encouraging our customers to be safe on the farm.”
MABA will highlight safety best practices via the association’s Facebook and Twitter accounts during the week, and encourages everyone to visit www.ngfa.org/safety for additional resources.
