Standing Strong for Safety: OSU Grain Engulfment & Confined Space Training

Aug 25, 2025


At Frontier Cooperative, safety isn’t just a checklist item—it’s woven into all that we do. Every day, our employees and farmer-owners step into environments that carry real risk. As harvest approaches, grain bins become a bigger part of daily work, and with them comes one of agriculture’s biggest dangers: grain engulfment. 

In 2024 alone, 34 people across the U.S. were caught in grain entrapments. Fourteen never made it home. Another 20 survived but will carry those close calls with them forever. Add in 17 more grain-related incidents, and it becomes clear: this is a reality our industry can’t ignore. 

That’s why, this summer, Frontier Cooperative brought in experts from Oklahoma State Fire Service Training for three days of Grain Engulfment and Confined Space Training at our Waverly location. Backed by an OSHA grant, the program was more than a class—it was hands-on, real-world preparation for the dangers our team could face. 

“Grain can take a life in less than 20 seconds,” said Chief Operations Officer Craig Schultz. “It’s our responsibility to give employees the knowledge, equipment, and confidence to make the right decisions before anyone ever sets foot in a bin. And ideally, to find ways so they never have to enter at all.” 

The training covered it all: how to safely shut down equipment, test air quality, wear proper protective gear, and—most importantly—how to always have a trained partner on the outside ready to respond. Participants practiced with life-saving tools like rescue tubes, winches, and harnesses, and trained on emergency scenarios with expert guidance. 

But safety isn’t just about response—it’s about prevention. New technologies are helping reduce the need to enter bins altogether. Tools like robots can move and break up grain without a person stepping inside. At Frontier, we also invest in automated aeration systems that keep grain in top condition, preventing the crusting and clumping that often lead to dangerous situations. 

Still, equipment only matters if people are trained and ready. That’s why we partner with first responders, bring in experts, and ensure our employees are prepared. Because at the end of the day, our #1 goal is simple: everyone goes home safe. 

And safety doesn’t stop at the cooperative door. The lessons we live by are the same ones we encourage our farmer-owners to follow on their own operations: avoid entry whenever possible, lean on technology, and always make safety the first step—not the afterthought. 

At Frontier Cooperative, we know agriculture isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, a community, a family. And protecting that family means standing strong on safety—today, tomorrow, and every harvest to come. 

For more information about grain engulfment and prevention visit: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/grain-bin-entrapment-dont-let-it-happen-to-you.html 

Read More About Frontier's Safety Efforts

Apr 17, 2025
The Frontier Cooperative Board of Directors selected 24 area students to receive its $1,000 scholarship.
Jan 22, 2025
Frontier Cooperative Directors Neil Sabata and Blake Rippe completed a certification program co-sponsored by the Nebraska Cooperative Council and CoBank to equip them with the skills they need to lead Frontier Cooperative into the future.
Dec 10, 2024
Ten FFA chapters received grant funds from Frontier Cooperative to go toward classroom or chapter needs.