Grain and building materials firm Minooka Grain, Lumber & Supply Co. received several citations and a fine of $69,010 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for violating grain handling safety regulations at its grain facility in Minooka, IL, the agency announced in a release this week. 

OSHA opened an investigation after a worker was engulfed in a grain storage bin at the site while working to clear clumps. The person was freed from the bin by emergency personnel. 

“Employers are required to follow federal and industry recognized safety standards that include training their workers on grain storage hazards to prevent engulfments,” OSHA Naperville Area Director Jacob Scott said in a statement, adding, “Minooka Grain has made significant enhancements to their bin entry procedures since the time of this incident. OSHA is committed to working with companies to abate safety issues an ensure they are taking all necessary steps to protect workers on the job.”

Minooka Grain, Lumber & Supply Co. was issued two willful and four serious violations for exposing workers to engulfment hazards while walking or working on the grain to improve flow, and allowing workers to enter a grain bin without wearing a body harness and lifeline. 

OSHA also placed the company into its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. 

The company has 15 business days after receiving the citations to comply, challenge the findings before an independent panel, or request an informal conference with an OSHA area director. 

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