Grain Auger Safety Is Critical, Says Safety Expert

Grain augers have a reputation for farm injuries. According to a North Dakota State University agriculture safety expert, 37 injuries have been reported in North Dakota since 1993. These injuries could have been prevented if simple precautions were taken, he says.

George Maher, of the NDSU Extension Service, states the most common site for injuries is the intake end of the auger. When the flighting of the auger rotates, it pulls the hand or foot against the sharp edge of the auger tube inflicting a deep cut or broken bones. A shield can prevent the injury. "The shields are readily available from implement dealers and are not difficult to attach," Maher says.

A common and unsafe practice at the bin-site is a bored or impatient worker helping the grain to flow into the auger with a hand or foot. "A hand is suddenly caught and a shearing action takes place where the screw of the auger rotates in the auger tube. It is at this point where the hand or foot is severely mangled or possibly sheared off," Maher says.

A grain auger being driven by a tractor with an unshielded power take off is another hazard. "A farm worker entangled with the PTO shaft may be trapped for some time, not being missed until the combine is full and waiting," Maher says. "There are shields readily available which are economical, dependable and easy to install."

According to Maher another common cause of injury is a worker pulling on the v-belt of the grain auger engine, trying to start it. Fingers may be severed as they become caught between the belt and the pulley Maher says. He recommends a clutch system be used to disengage the drive system, while a safer starting mechanism is used to start the engine. The pinch-point at each pulley of the belt drive system should also be shielded.

Electrical safety is also important around grain augers and the bin. "If the auger comes in contact with an overhead electrical line, you connect the auger and the electric line to the ground. The rubber tires of the auger effectively insulate it from the ground, causing the worker to become the grounding connection while maneuvering the auger into position by hand, resulting in electrocution," Maher says.

Positioning a grain auger at the bin site also has its risks. It is possible to elevate an auger beyond its safe limits, Maher says. Safety stops should limit the height to which an auger can be raised. "An auger may become top-heavy when it is set up too high, causing it to tip forward on its wheels. As it tips, the lower end will quickly swing upward, impacting anything in the way," Maher says.

According to Maher, caution is especially important when setting an auger on a hillside. When the auger is set up slanting to the side, it can become tipsy as it is elevated. Blocking the wheels on an auger can prevent it from rolling in these situations.

Augers should always be transported in a lowered position. "The auger will make a smaller curve as you turn, so plan ahead and make wider turns where needed," Maher says. A red flag should also be attached to the auger before moving it. "It is difficult for a motorist following an auger to determine how close they may be to it. Do not attempt to transport the auger after dark," he says.

Additional information on the safe use of grain augers may be found in Extension Bulletin AE-1071, Safety With Grain Augers. The bulletin is available from County Extension Agents.

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