$303k Fine: Worker Engulfed in Grain

Pete Nemmers 02.09.2022 Current Events

OSHA cited a grain cooperative after a worker was engulfed in a soybean silo.

An investigation found two workers were clearing the bin of crops and debris on Feb. 19, 2021, when the incident occurred. Soybeans collapsed and engulfed an employee up to their waist.

Fine: $303,510

Company: Topflight Grain Cooperative Inc., Monticello, IL

Business: Grain cooperative

Reasons for fine: 3 Willful violations to:

prevent workers fromentering bins without firstlocking out hazardousequipment
post an attendant outsidethe bin to respond in caseof emergency
prevent employees fromentering bins with 10-15 feetof grain build-up along sides

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