Every year dozens of employees are injured or die from preventable hazards while working in grain storage and handling. Safety doesn’t need to be big to be effective, but it does need everyone to make it happen.

The theme for this year’s Stand Up 4 Grain Safety week is

L. E. A. R. N. – Listen, Explain, Ask, Remember, Notify

The L.E.A.R.N. acronym embodies the purpose behind Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week. Learning is both active and interactive. Each word represents the action and interaction necessary to  increase our awareness, knowledge, and practices necessary to ensure a safe workplace.

LISTEN

Listening informs us. Take the time to actively listen to your surroundings – the environment, equipment, changes in conditions, and most importantly, the people around you. Listening is essential to identifying safety issues and developing solutions.

EXPLAIN

Explaining goes beyond talking “to” someone, reciting information, giving instructions, or pointing fingers. Explaining is making sure the other person (people) understand the information being given such as the risks, hazards, policies, safe practices, etc. A good explanation address the 5 W’s & H – Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why. When people understand the WHY, they are usually much more willing to be part of the solution.

ASK

Ask questions! Make sure you understand what is being told to you and others understand what you are saying.  Confirm employees have a clear understanding of company policies, procedures, hazards and safe practices, and training they have received.

REMEMBER

Every lesson learned matters. Carry the lessons learned forward to eliminate and reduce risks. When performing tasks, remember to follow the safety procedures. If you have forgotten or are unsure what to do – ask. When you can’t remember or are unsure – ask for help.

“Remembering isn’t just about history—it’s about improving the future.”  (Todd Albert, ADM)

NOTIFY

Inform others about unsafe conditions or unsafe acts. If someone is being unsafe, say something.  Speaking up may save a life.

Click on the day below to see the activities and resources available to L.E.A.R.N.!