“Grain Bin Safety Week” is Next Week

(Undated) – Farmers statewide are being reminded that next week is “Grain Bin Safety Week.” The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the State Fire Marshal are encouraging Illinois farmers to review safety practices while working in and around grain bins. IDOA Director, Jerry Costello, says farmers often become complacent when doing tasks they have done a thousand times, and for farmers, that can mean working in and around grain bins. He says, unfortunately, problems involving flowing grain can snowball quickly. Costello says that’s why it’s essential to set aside time to review safety measures, preparing farmers for a potential grain bin emergency. Authorities remind farmers that response times are increased due to the rural nature of many facilities, which makes it vitally important that farmers don’t take any unnecessary risks and use safe practices.