Nominate your local fire department for Grain Bin Safety Week

Grain bin entrapments continue to pose very serious dangers to farm workers across rural America. In just four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain.

To raise awareness of these dangers and prevent tragic accidents in grain structures, Nationwide has opened its 12th annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week.

Injuries & fatalities from grain bins

• In 2023, at least 27 grain entrapments were reported. There were 16 fatalities (15 in 2022).
• More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade. It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
• 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.

“There continues to be a significant need for these resources, and we’re grateful to see our program is making a real impact with six successful rescues last year and a total of 13 lives saved since 2014,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “For over a decade, Nationwide has been a leader in the fight to correct this industry issue, and while we’re incredibly proud of the efforts and the many partners who’ve made them possible, there is more work to be done.”

Grain Bin Safety Week continues to make an impact: February 16-22, 2025

Nationwide initiated its annual Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the dangers of working in grain bins and promote a zero-entry mentality. Grain Bin Safety Week, which takes place Feb. 16-22, 2025, brings a national spotlight to the issue each year.

A key component of Grain Bin Safety Week is the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, which aims to supply fire departments across rural America with the specialized rescue training and equipment needed to respond if an entrapment occurs. Since 2014, Nationwide and partners have awarded 390 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 32 states – nearly $2 million in resources provided.

The Nominate Your Fire Department Contest is now open until April 30, 2025. Learn how to nominate your local fire department here.

Nationwide collaborates each year with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety to deliver the rescue equipment and provide safety training.

“Time is of the essence when responding to these accidents, and rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment takes place in their region,” said Dan Neenan, director at NECAS. “It’s critically important to ensure these first responders not only have the specialized rescue equipment, but also the training needed to respond effectively. NECAS is proud to join Nationwide and its partners to make a difference.”

For more information about the program, nomination process or how you can get involved, visit www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com.