Kentucky farmers safety equipment donation

Friday, October 13, 2023

The Clark County Fire Department has received new grain entrapment rescue equipment thanks to a donation from the Clark County Extension Office, the Kentucky Farm Bureau, the Clark County Cattlemen's Association, and Southern States.

The equipment, which includes a large tube and an auger, will be used to rescue farmers who become trapped in grain silos, carts, or other confined spaces.

Grain entrapment is a serious safety hazard for farmers, with more than 300 grain entrapments officially recorded in the past decade and an estimated 30% going unreported. In 2021, there were at least 29 grain entrapments, resulting in 11 fatalities.

The new equipment will help the Clark County Fire Department to quickly and safely rescue farmers who have become trapped.

Clark County Fire Chief Steve Asbury said that the equipment arrived at the perfect time, as grain entrapments have quietly become a serious safety threat on agricultural operations.

"It is a serious problem; nobody ever knows about it until it happens," Asbury said.

While Clark County has had a few entrapment rescues in the past, Asbury said he could not recall any during his tenure as chief. However, he said that it is in the department's purview to prevent such incidents from occurring.

"Trying to have the foresight to understand that these problems exist in our county – and they do exist – we are just trying to prepare if that situation ever does come about," Asbury said.

Levi Berg, a Clark County Extension Agent, said that the cost of the equipment and training was around $5,000. He said that the money was well spent, as saving even one life is worth it.

"There are not many people that have dealt with farmers that have passed away in these tragic accidents, but it does not only affect their family, but it affects the entire community," Berg said.

The Clark County Fire Department will train on the new equipment in the coming weeks.