Grain Elevator Fined $536K for Dust HazardsGrain Elevator Fined $536K for Dust Hazards

OSHA said workers were exposed to fire and explosion risks due to the accumulation of combustible dust and inadequate maintenance of dust collection systems.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

October 4, 2024

2 Min Read
Investigators found makeshift repairs on dust collection equipment.
Investigators found makeshift repairs using duct tape on the dust collection system.Rytis Bernotas/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Federal investigators have fined and cited a Nebraska grain cooperative for significant safety hazards at a Nebraska grain cooperative.

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that workers at Legacy Cooperative's Hemingford grain elevator in NE were exposed to fire and explosion risks due to the accumulation of combustible dust and inadequate maintenance of dust collection systems.

A complaint of unsafe working conditions at the facility was received and OSHA began its investigation in March 2024 under its regional emphasis program for grain-handling facilities in NE, and revealed that more than one-eighth inch of grain dust had accumulated in key areas like the bottom belt tunnel and around elevator legs. OSHA also discovered makeshift repairs using duct tape on the dust collection system, compromising its effectiveness and increasing failure risk.

Legacy Cooperative was cited for two willful and 22 serious safety violations with proposed penalties amounting to $536,965. Violations included neglecting regular equipment inspections, failing preventive maintenance certification, not adhering to permit-confirmed space requirements, exposing workers to fall hazards, improper electrical practices, insufficient forklift training, and incorrect labeling of hazardous chemicals.

“Grain dust fires and explosions are a well-known industry hazard, which makes Legacy Grain Cooperative’s failure to control dust where a belt’s friction could easily cause ignition inexcusable,” stated OSHA Area Director Matthew Thurlby from Omaha, NE. He emphasized the necessity for employers to develop comprehensive safety procedures and ensure worker training to mitigate known dangers.

Local news reports reveal that Legacy Coop will appeal the allegations. Local radio station KNEB shared a quote from Legacy's president/CEO Charlie Wright:

"We will meet with them on October 15th to present what we have done to abate the claims, the citations that they have listed there. It should be noted especially they did not inspect Legacy because of an employee was injured. In fact, we are very safe operation. And as I said, for a combined 200 years, our injuries have been very low.”

OSHA collaborates with organizations like the Grain Handling Safety Coalition and National Grain and Feed Association through its alliance program to improve safety standards within the industry. Established by merging Farmer’s Cooperative with Panhandle Cooperative in 2024, Legacy Cooperative is based in Scottsbluff, NE.

About the Author

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and IT.

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