Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program reports a significant decrease in confined space incidents. The report documented 55 cases, including 29 fatalities and 26 nonfatal injuries, a 33.7% reduction from the previous year.

Grain entrapments accounted for nearly half of the reported cases, with 27 in 2023, a 35.7% decrease from 2022.

Illinois was the leading state for confined space-related cases, with 12 incidents, followed by Iowa, with five cases. Iowa also had the most grain entrapment incidents.

Despite fewer cases, Purdue Agricultural Safety Specialist Ed Sheldon stressed the ongoing dangers in agricultural confined spaces. He urges workers to follow safety protocols. Safety concerns remain critical as the harvest season approaches.

Read more on grain bin safety and agriculture-related injuries and fatalities in confined spaces here.