Grain Bin Safety & Rescue Training to be Offered

Jamestown, NY (August 8, 2024): Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is pleased to announce the upcoming Grain Bin Safety and Rescue Training for farm owners and their families, farm employees, grain handlers, fire department personnel, and first responders.

This educational program will be held on Thursday, August 22nd beginning at 6:00 pm at the Chautauqua County Emergency Office, 2 Academy Street, Mayville, NY. Anyone interested in learning more to prevent and help save lives in grain entrapment accidents is welcome to attend. We do request participants to be at least 16 years of age, due to liability considerations.

The Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau cooperatively applied for and were recently selected to receive specialized rescue training and equipment needed to respond to a grain entrapment incident in Chautauqua County and nearby areas. The new equipment will be awarded and demonstrated at this safety and rescue program.

Since 2014, Nationwide and partners have awarded 332 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 32 states – eclipsing over $1 million in resources provided. At least ten successful rescues have utilized these resources, including the recent rescues in Arkansas and Indiana. Nationwide collaborates each year with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to deliver the rescue equipment and provide safety training.

Jim Joy, Grape Grower and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau Board Member stated: “This grain bin rescue training and specialized equipment grant is the result of dedicated teamwork between the Chautauqua County Special Rescue Team and Chautauqua County Farm Bureau. These combined efforts now provide our county special rescue team members the ability to respond with confidence and knowledge to any grain bin rescue operation in Chautauqua County and surrounding areas.” If you have any questions regarding this training, please contact Jim Joy at 716-467-4200.

Did you know these Startling Facts: Injuries & Fatalities from grain bins * Sources: Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities; Purdue University

In 2022, at least 42 grain entrapments were reported, the highest number of entrapments in a decade (a 44.8% increase from 2021). There were 15 fatalities.

In four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance. In just 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.

Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres is the leading cause of death in grain accidents.

More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade. It is estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.

The program instructor will be Brian Freese, B.A., NR-Paramedic, Fire Instructor 2, NECAS Safety and Rescue Instructor, from Peosta, Iowa. Thanks to local grain producers who will provide the grain and loading equipment for the demonstration. There is no charge to participate, and complimentary pizza and beverages will be provided to all participants by the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services.

To help plan for meeting materials and food, please RSVP by August 20th, by contacting Lisa Kempisty, Extension Educator, at 716-664-9502 Ext 203 or by email: ljk4@cornell.edu.

The Agricultural Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at https://chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated August 8, 2024