Iowa Recognizes Grain Safety Week Mar 30–Apr 3

State Recognizes "Stand Up for Grain Safety" Week

• Wednesday, April 1, 2026

• Press Release

DES MOINES – The State of Iowa has formally recognized the week of March 30–April 3, 2026, as Stand Up for Grain Safety Week, underscoring the critical importance of protecting agricultural workers from grain‑related hazards.

The proclamation highlights the significant risks associated with grain bins, including suffocation from engulfment, oxygen‑deficient environments, and mechanical dangers such as augers and rotating shafts. These hazards can lead to severe injuries or fatalities within seconds, making safety awareness and proper procedures essential.

The announcement emphasizes that all grain‑bin‑related accidents are preventable when workers are properly trained, engaged, and aware of unsafe conditions. It also notes the emotional and economic toll that each incident has on families, coworkers, and rural communities.

Additionally, the proclamation draws attention to the challenges faced by many fire departments, which often lack specialized equipment and training for grain‑bin rescues. The State encourages employers to strengthen safety programs and collaborate with agencies such as the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) to improve prevention efforts.

Stand Up for Grain Safety Week serves as a statewide call to action for agricultural employers, workers, and safety partners to promote safer practices and reduce preventable injuries in one of Iowa’s most important industries.

"This week is all about raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and reinforcing the commitment to safety in the grain handling industry—because at the end of the day, nothing is more important than making sure every worker goes home safe," said DIAL Interim Director Aaron Baack.

The proclamation reads as follows:

"WHEREAS, there are significant hazards associated with grain bins, making the safety and health of agricultural workers of the utmost importance; and

WHEREAS, grain production, handling, and transportation is a significant part of the agriculture industry in Iowa; and

WHEREAS, it takes only seconds to be completely engulfed in flowing grain or overcome by oxygen-deficient atmospheres, and suffocation from engulfment is a leading cause of death in grain bin accidents; and

WHEREAS, many mechanical hazards such as augers and rotating shafts exist and the absence of proper energy-control procedures can create "caught between" and "struck by" accidents, leading to serious injury or death; and

WHEREAS, all grain bin accidents and injuries are preventable, and workers must be engaged, educated, and aware of unsafe conditions and behaviors; and

WHEREAS, each death has devastating impacts on the victim's family, friends, and coworkers; and

WHEREAS, many fire departments lack the specialized rescue equipment and technique education necessary for a safe and successful grain bin rescue; and

WHEREAS, the State of Iowa encourages all employers who have grain bins to develop safety and health programs, contribute to this safety initiative, and help make the state of Iowa a safer and healthier place to work; and

WHEREAS, the State of Iowa is committed to helping the agricultural community develop safety programs with assistance from the lowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, and other partners and stakeholders;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim the week of March 30th-April 3rd 2026 as:

STAND UP FOR GRAIN SAFETY WEЕK"

Related files

• ### Stand Up for Grain Safety Week Proclamation