Fatalities and injuries from grain engulfments, along with falls from bins, have been a consistent concern in agriculture over the past years. Higher yields, larger storage facilities, and equipment that can move grain more quickly create very hazardous environments. Even smaller bins can pose a serious risk, and older bins may not have adequate tie-off anchors or ladder cages that can prevent a fall.
Entering a bin where grain is flowing is especially hazardous — about 80% of grain engulfments are a result of someone being inside a bin when grain is being unloaded. A person can be fully submerged in flowing grain in less than 60 seconds.
Once a person is buried to their knees, which can take less than 5 seconds, the weight and friction of the surrounding grain makes it impossible to step up or out of it.