Working around temporary and permanent grain storage piles comes with a unique set of hazards that can put employees at serious risk. From struck-by incidents involving moving vehicles to caught-in hazards with conveyors and rotating machinery, the potential for injury is real, but many of these risks can be mitigated with proper planning and safety practices.
Struck-By and Backover Hazards
One of the most common hazards around grain piles is being struck by moving vehicles such as semi-trucks, payloaders, and skid steer loaders. Backover incidents can occur when employees are standing, walking, or kneeling near equipment in motion. To prevent these incidents, facilities should implement internal traffic control plans that clearly coordinate vehicle and pedestrian movement. Mark vehicle routes and pedestrian crossings, post traffic flow maps, and establish safe speed limits throughout the site.
During pile construction or reclaim operations, it’s important to create vehicle work zones. These zones can be defined using signage, caution tape, traffic cones, or other visual indicators. Employees should never enter a work zone without first communicating with the equipment operator, who should bring the machine to a safe stop before the worker enters. High-visibility clothing, maintaining safe distances, and staying in the operator’s line of sight are critical for safety.
Caught-In Hazards
Caught-in incidents occur when employees are exposed to moving machinery, such as stackers, portable conveyors, transport conveyors, gravity take-ups, V-belt drives, and tail pulleys. These hazards can result in severe injuries, including amputations or fatalities. To prevent caught-in accidents:
- Enclose horizontal shafting less than 7 feet from the walking surface.
- Encapsulate V-belt drives on all sides.
- Guard gravity take-ups on all open sides.
- Ensure tail pulleys and aeration fan blades are properly guarded.
Electrical and Trip Hazards
Cables and cords often run across walking and working surfaces in harsh environments. Damaged insulation or improperly protected cords can lead to electrical shock, trips, and falls. Using dropover guards or channel protector guards keeps cables organized, protected, and visible, allowing both vehicles and pedestrians to safely cross.
Grain Storage Pile Safety Training
Simple steps such as establishing vehicle work zones, creating traffic control plans, and guarding machinery, cords, and cables can significantly reduce the risk of injury. For teams working around grain piles, Safety Made Simple’s Grain Storage Pile Safety course provides the knowledge and tools needed to protect employees and coworkers. After completion, participants will be able to recognize common hazards, understand the importance of vehicle work zones, and apply safe practices that prevent injuries. For an additional resource, check out NGFA’s Safety Tip on Grain Storage Piles.
Investing in training helps ensure that every employee goes home safely at the end of the day because safety doesn’t have to be difficult, it just needs to be done correctly. Learn more about the our harvest safety courses and equip your team with the skills to work safely around grain storage piles.