A grain company based in Westfield, Illinois is facing a $115,855 fine from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following two incidents where employees were caught in a grain bin. The first incident occurred in February when a worker was trapped for five hours, and a second incident occurred in July when the company reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that an employee had suffered a partial leg amputation after sustaining leg injuries.

According to a DOL press release, OSHA investigators found that the company, Littlejohn Grain Inc., failed to comply with safety protocols. Specifically, they did not disconnect the power supply and lock out an auger before employees entered the bin. Furthermore, inspectors allege that the company neglected to test the bin for oxygen content and exposed workers to fall exposure above dangerous gear.

"Twice in less than six months, employees were endangered, one of whom suffered injuries with lifelong consequences," said OSHA Area Director Edward Marshall. "The grain elevator’s operator could have protected its employees by following federal and industry-recommended safety procedures."

Federal law mandates that grain operators must de-energize and lockout equipment before employees enter a bin to prevent interaction with operating augers and engulfment in moving grain, as per the news release. The DOL imposed one serious violation and two willful violations on Littlejohn Grain Inc., who are contesting the 21 violations they are being cited for following the February 2023 entrapment case.

The news release further states that Littlejohn Grain now has 15 business days to comply with penalties imposed by OSHA or request a meeting with the administration’s area director. A member of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, Littlejohn Grain has been operational since 1923. With headquarters located in Martinsville, Illinois, it serves grain producers in Clark, Edgar and Cumberland counties through operations in Westfield and Martinsville.