Grain Bin and Manure Pit Safety Education Saves Lives

By M. Charles Gould and Laurel Harduar Morano

Michigan farm families have experienced the death of loved ones from incidents involving grain bins, manure, livestock and farm equipment. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America. Reports released by the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division at Michigan State University found there were 447 work-related farm injuries in 445 individuals in Michigan in 2023 (two individuals had two separate agricultural injury incidents). There were an additional 21 agricultural fatalities.

Further, between 2001 and 2023 there were 14 grain engulfment fatalities on Michigan farms. These reports highlight the fact that agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for both fatal and nonfatal injuries and farming is one of the few industries in which family members, who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, MSU Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan are sponsoring a confined space grain bin and manure pit safety program. The grain bin safety program is intended for co-ops, farm operators, employees and agriculture business owners. The manure pit safety program is intended for commercial manure applicators, farm operators and workers and agriculture business owners. Personnel from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety will provide the training. The training will help all participants understand how to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, use proper safety equipment, pay close attention to potential hazards and never underestimate risks or unsafe conditions.

The safety programs will be offered from 2-5 p.m. at three different sites around the state:

June 23 - Cooperative Elevator Co., 4931 Shreeves Rd., Fairgrove, MI

June 24 - Superior Fertilizer, 3761 E Weidman Rd., Rosebush, MI

June 25 - Berlin Fairgrounds, 2008 Berlin Fair Dr., Marne, MI

June 26 - Albright Farms, 740 S. Angola Rd., Coldwater, MI

There is no fee to attend due to the generous financial support of the program sponsors, but registration is requested. To register, visit the 2025 Grain Bin and Manure Pit Safety Training Program registration page. Registration closes on June 16, 2025 at midnight.

If you have questions about the safety programs, please contact Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension Bioenergy Educator, at 616-834-2812 or gouldm@msu.edu.