WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A recent annual report tracking grain dust explosions across the United States in 2023 revealed nine incidents resulting in 12 injuries, but fortunately, no fatalities. Grain dust explosions pose a significant threat to the grain industry, leading to not only injuries but also financial losses from downtime, repair, and potential fatalities, according to Kingsly Ambrose, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University.
In 2023, there were no changes from the previous year, with nine reported incidents of grain dust explosions. Over the past decade, the average number of explosions has remained relatively stable at 8.4. This figure is notably lower than the average incidents reported prior to the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s grain handling standard in 1988.
All nine grain dust explosions in 2023 occurred in the Midwest, primarily within the corn handling or processing industry. The incidents took place in various facilities, including an ethanol plant, wheat mill, grain elevators, soybean and corn processing plants, and even a corncob processing plant. The main ignition sources were identified as fire, equipment malfunction, or unknown sources, with the fuel source in all cases being grain dust.
The states affected by the grain dust explosions were Illinois and Minnesota with three incidents each, two in Iowa, and one in Indiana. Ambrose emphasized the importance of educating workers and employers on dust explosion prevention within their facilities, including assessing dust accumulation and implementing explosion protection measures. There is a critical need for practical educational materials to enhance awareness and adoption of prevention technologies in grain handling and processing facilities.
Since 2015, Purdue University has been actively involved in collecting data related to grain dust explosions in the U.S., highlighting the university’s commitment to addressing safety concerns in the industry. The ongoing efforts aim to enhance safety protocols and prevent future incidents from occurring.
With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, Purdue University remains at the forefront of research and education, providing a dynamic platform for students to excel and contribute to society. By prioritizing affordability and accessibility, Purdue ensures that students receive a quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. Through initiatives like the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business and Purdue Computes, Purdue University continues to push boundaries and pursue groundbreaking discoveries.
For more information on Purdue University’s initiatives and research efforts, visit their website. For media inquiries, please contact Ashvini Malshe at malshea@purdue.edu. Agriculture communications can be reached at 765-494-8415, spearheaded by Maureen Manier, the Department Head.