Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Nebraska: Farm Supply Store Manager Killed When Engulfed by Corn in Grain Bin

摘要

A 51-year-old farm supply store manager was killed when engulfed by moving corn inside a grain bin at the company's grain mill. The victim and a co-worker (truck driver) were attempting to empty corn from an overhead load-out bin into a truck. As they started to empty the bin, it appeared the discharge chute at the bottom of the bin was plugged by crusted corn. After several attempts to free the plug from below, the victim climbed into the bin with a steel rod to break up the obstruction. The driver stayed outside to close the control gate once the grain started to flow. When the victim broke the obstruction the grain started flowing. The driver attempted to close the control gate, but could not. When the grain broke free, it caused the victim to be drawn down towards the chute. The driver heard a loud sound from inside the bin and the grain stopped flowing again. He climbed to the top of the bin and looked inside for the victim, but could not see him. Help was summoned. The victim was extracted approximately two hours later and declared dead on the scene.