HR0055 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0055 LRB100 07031 MST 17085 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Grain bin accidents are serious incidents that affect farmers across the country; and

WHEREAS, More than 900 cases of grain bin entrapments have been reported with a fatality rate of 62% in the past 50 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, over 22 grain bin entrapments occurred with at least 11 fatalities, and in 2014, 38 reported grain bin entrapments resulted in 17 fatalities which are the highest numbers since 2010 when 59 entrapments claimed 26 lives; and

WHEREAS, The actual number of grain bin related accidents may be higher than the documented numbers; and

WHEREAS, Grain bin accidents can tragically affect individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, Through education and awareness of hazards and safe-work practices and procedures, the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage may be reduced; and

WHEREAS, Routine inspections of grain bins, dryers, wagons, augers, and other grain related equipment, should be conducted to reduce the risk of grain-related hazards; and

WHEREAS, Designing and implementing emergency action plans for farms and commercial businesses can decrease grain-related fatalities and should be a high priority; and

WHEREAS, First organized by Nationwide Agribusiness in 2014, Grain Bin Safety Week is an annual observance that occurs the third full week of February to promote grain bin safety on farms and commercial grain-handling facilities; and

WHEREAS, Grain Bin Safety Week is a collaborative effort by industry leaders and agricultural professionals working together; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 19 to February 25, 2017 as Grain Bin Safety Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the involvement of the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, Farm Safety For Just Kids, KC Supply, Co., Inc., the Kansas Farmers Service Association, Grain Systems, Inc., the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, CHS Inc., Mennell Milling, M.F. Block, The Scoular Company, Argi-Business Insurance Services, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Sump Saver, and the National Farm Medicine Center in their promotion of Grain Bin Safety Week.