By Jamie Martin
With Stand Up for Grain Safety Week approaching from March 24-28, 2025, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA), and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) are underscoring the importance of safe grain handling practices. This annual initiative is dedicated to reducing grain-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.”
The safety campaign, led by NGFA in partnership with OSHA, provides essential safety resources such as training guides, videos, and emergency response procedures.
These materials, available at www.standup4grainsafety.org, help employers and workers implement best practices for grain bin entry, lockout/tagout procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Grain entrapment remains a leading hazard, with Purdue University reporting 42 grain-related entrapments in 2023-almost half of which were fatal.
Additional risks include dust explosions, falls, and equipment-related accidents. The campaign focuses on raising awareness and offering practical solutions to mitigate these dangers.
MDARD and MABA will actively share grain safety information throughout the week via social media and their websites. Businesses are encouraged to conduct safety meetings, review emergency protocols, and engage employees in discussions on accident prevention.
To recognize commitment to safety, MDARD inspectors will distribute challenge coins, funded entirely by MABA, to individuals and businesses that demonstrate exemplary 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.”
Photo Credit: istock-sasapanchenko
Categories: National