MINOOKA, Ill. - OSHA has fined Illinois-based Minooka Grain, Lumber & Supply Co. $69,000 after an employee was trapped in a grain storage bin while clearing clumps. The worker was later freed.

 

“Employers are required to follow federal and industry recognized safety standards that include training their workers on grain storage hazards to prevent engulfments,” OSHA Naperville Area Director Jacob Scott said in a statement, adding, “Minooka Grain has made significant enhancements to their bin entry procedures since the time of this incident. OSHA is committed to working with companies to abate safety issues an ensure they are taking all necessary steps to protect workers on the job.”

 

The company was hit with two willful and four serious violations for exposing workers to grain flow engulfment hazards. OSHA says the company alowed workers to enter grain bins without wearing harnesses and lifelines.

 

Minooka has been placed in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which means the company will be subject to mandatory follow-up inspections, forced OSHA awareness, and where appropriate - federal court enforcement. Severe violators are those OSHA deemed to have committed willful, repeated, or failure-to-abate violations.

 

The company has 15 business days to respond to the citations - either by complying, challenging, or requesting an informal conference.

 

Minooka Grain supplies lumber, cabinets, windows, doors, grain, decking, and more.