Investigation shows preventable deaths in grain industry, OSHA oversight weak

National Public Radio and The Center for Public Integrity have been reporting this week on the results of an investigation into needless deaths from suffocation in grain storage bins.  Nearly 500 farmers and workers have died in these bins in the last 40 years. The worst year on record was just recently, in 2010. The story is heartbreaking. Why? Because many of these deceased workers were ordered to get inside a grain bin while the employer knew the auger was running, in order to knock down corn stuck to the walls. The moving auger causes the workers to fall into the grain, end of story. The highlight of the report is the fact that although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may issue a fine to an employer who commits this practice, the fine is rarely large. No one goes to jail. And the families of those killed are left to bear the burden. While some responsible employers are trying to do the right thing, the unlawful practices do not appear to be waning.