Stand Up for Grain Safety Week - Key Prevention Tips

Mar 24, 2025
By Farms.com

Grain Safety Week 2025 - Preventing Injuries and Fatalities

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in collaboration with the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), is stressing the importance of grain safety ahead of Stand Up for Grain Safety Week, scheduled from March 24-28, 2025.

This initiative brings the agricultural sector together to focus on preventing grain handling-related injuries and fatalities.

“Every year, serious injuries and even fatalities occur in grain storage and handling operations. This week is a reminder that safety should always be a top priority,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “We want Michigan's ag industry to continue to drive economic and rural prosperity, and ensuring everyone working with grain is taking necessary steps for a safe return home each night plays a big role in that success."

“Grain handlers across our state fuel the strong momentum of Michigan’s agricultural industry and Stand Up for Grain Safety Week supports their daily efforts to make safety a top priority,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “We thank our members across Michigan for continuing to make safety the number one priority every day.”

Led by NGFA in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the campaign offers extensive educational materials, including training modules, safety videos, and best practices for grain bin entry. These resources, available at www.standup4grainsafety.org, aim to enhance safety awareness and preparedness.

Grain entrapment is one of the most serious risks in the industry. Purdue University’s annual grain entrapment report recorded 42 cases in 2023, with nearly half resulting in fatalities.

Other dangers include falls, equipment injuries, and combustible dust explosions. The campaign highlights key prevention strategies, such as lockout/tagout procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Throughout the week, MDARD and MABA will share safety tips via social media and websites. Additionally, MDARD inspectors will award challenge coins-funded by MABA-to businesses and individuals demonstrating strong safety practices.

“Safety should always be the top priority in grain handling facilities,” said Jess McCluer, NGFA’s Senior Vice President of Safety and Regulatory. “Stand Up for Grain Safety Week is an opportunity for businesses to re-emphasize a culture of safety, conduct refresher training, and ensure workers know how to prevent life-threatening incidents.”

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