Leading And Learning Through Safety

This episode of Leading and Learning Through Safety shares a rare and inspiring safety success story from rural Kentucky. A 68-year-old farmer became trapped in soybeans inside a grain bin — a dangerous, permit-required confined space. Such incidents, often unreported in family farming, have historically caused fatalities, especially among youth. In this case, the local volunteer fire department, equipped with a “turtle tube” grain bin rescue device, performed a flawless rescue.The equipment, donated by the Graves County Farm Bureau and local agricultural businesses, works by isolating the trapped person from surrounding grain, reducing crushing pressure and allowing safe removal. The real triumph was not just having the right tool, but the department’s dedication to training on its proper use — a commitment often lacking even in large industries.Host Dr. Mark French emphasizes that preparation, practice, and proper training are critical. Too often, organizations possess safety equipment but never train emplo