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As the leading cause of agricultural confined space-related incidents, grain bin entrapments continue to pose very serious dangers to farm workers across rural America. In just four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain. To raise awareness of these dangers and prevent tragic accidents in grain structures, Nationwide has opened its 12th annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week.

Startling facts: Injuries & fatalities from grain bins*

• In 2023, at least 27 grain entrapments were reported. There were 16 fatalities (15 in
  2022).
• More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade. It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go unreported.
• In four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and be rendered unable to free themselves without assistance. In just 20 seconds, an adult can be fully engulfed.
• Suffocation from engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres is the leading cause of death in grain accidents.

“There continues to be a significant need for these resources, and we’re grateful to see our program is making a real impact with six successful rescues last year and a total of 13 lives saved since 2014,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “For over a decade, Nationwide has been a leader in the fight to correct this industry issue, and while we’re incredibly proud of the efforts and the many partners who’ve made them possible, there is more work to be done.”

Grain Bin Safety Week continues to make an impact: Feb. 16-22, 2025

Nationwide initiated its annual Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014 to raise awareness of the dangers of working in grain bins and promote a zero-entry mentality. Grain Bin Safety Week, which takes place Feb. 16-22, 2025, brings a national spotlight to the issue each year.

A key component of Grain Bin Safety Week is the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, which aims to supply fire departments across rural America with the specialized rescue training and equipment needed to respond if an entrapment occurs. Since 2014, Nationwide and partners have awarded 390 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 32 states – nearly $2 million in resources provided.

The Nominate Your Fire Department Contest is now open until April 30, 2025. Learn how to nominate your local fire department.

Nationwide collaborates each year with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety to deliver the rescue equipment and provide safety training.

“Time is of the essence when responding to these accidents and rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment takes place in their region,” said Dan Neenan, director at NECAS. “It’s critically important to ensure these first responders not only have the specialized rescue equipment, but also the training needed to respond effectively. NECAS is proud to join Nationwide and its partners to make a difference.”

For more information about the program, nomination process or how you can get involved, visit www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com.

Grain Bin Safety Week is made possible by generous partners.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

* All cash contributions help purchase grain bin tubes and/or training. All donations are managed through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For official rules, visit nationwide.com/GBSWContestRules “FARM BUREAU” and the Farm Bureau mark are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and used under license by Nationwide.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2025

* Sources: Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities; Purdue University