9 | WSPS.CA/AnnualReport
Turning recoveries into rescues
Most grain incidents are recovery, not rescue missions,
and too often, there are multiple fatalities—both the
victim and the first responder perish.
It only takes 2–3 seconds to sink up to your knees in
flowing grain. Once a person has sunk past their knees
they are trapped and need to be rescued. A person can
sink past their neck in under 30 seconds.
These harsh realities were the impetus for the creation
of the grain training trailer. The trailer, located in Alberta,
is equipped with a built-in bin and a demonstration
platform. A davit arm safely lowers a mannequin
or person into flowing grain to allow two trained
individuals to demonstrate proper rescue techniques.
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA)
and WSPS, partners for over 30 years, have teamed
up to bring the trailer to fire departments in Ontario
to train first responders on how grain incidents occur,
common injuries, and types of entrapment. The training
also includes grain handling and storage facilities,
regulatory standards, confined space and fall protection.
CASA Agricultural Health and Safety Specialist, Robert
Gobeil says, "When there are requests for support in
Ontario, we turn to WSPS as our Provincial Partner."
They have had positive feedback from trainees and fire
departments on the BeGrainSafe program. The most
significant indicator of success came late last year
when the Leamington Fire Department successfully
rescued a 14-year old girl who had become trapped
in corn. One of the department members had just
completed the training and was able to oversee the
successful rescue.
I was smiling ear to ear and was vibrating
with joy when I heard that she had been
rescued.
— Robert Gobeil, CASA Agriculture
Health and Safety Specialist
GRAIN SAFETY
