Even if you can almost see spring around the corner, many grain elevators are still deep in winter mode. Harvest is behind us, deliveries are lighter, and that makes this season perfect for maintenance, repairs and planning for the year ahead.
It’s also prime time for stored grain management. Running aeration to keep temperatures even, watching for moisture migration, monitoring CO₂ levels, and taking grain samples for mycotoxin testing all become part of the daily routine. After a massive 2025 harvest, many locations are stretched for space, relying on bunkers, flat storage and even emergency ground piles.
But it’s worth noting flat storage and ground piles come with risks. Walking on grain that’s deep enough to engulf you is never “just another task.” If someone has to step onto stored grain, they should be protected with a lifeline or another system that physically prevents sinking past waist depth — unless it can truly be proven there’s no engulfment risk.
Before anyone steps in, all equipment that could move grain — augers, conveyors, reclaim systems — must be shut down, locked out and clearly tagged. No exceptions.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also clear that “walking down grain” to make it flow is prohibited. Standing under bridged grain or near grain that could suddenly collapse could lead to disaster. Grain piled steeper than its natural angle of repose is unstable and dangerous, and a sign something isn’t right.
Around storage areas, limit foot traffic when mobile equipment is running and set up clear safety zones with physical and visual barriers. During tarping, slow down — the job comes with its own set of hazards and deserves planning before anyone climbs up.
Winter work is important, but first, thoroughly address all safety hazards. The work can wait — preventing an accident or injury cannot.
