Assembly Resolution No. 865

BY: M. of A. Blankenbush

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 18-24, 2024, as Grain Bin Safety Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of important
issues that affect the lives of agricultural workers of New York State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 18-24, 2024, as
Grain Bin Safety Week in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Grain Bin Safety Week, a collaborative effort by industry
leaders and agricultural professionals working together, is an annual
observance which occurs the third full week of February to promote grain
bin safety on farms and commercial grain-handling facilities; and

WHEREAS, Safety of farm and agricultural workers is of utmost
important to the government of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It only takes seconds to be completely engulfed in flowing
grain or overcome by oxygen-deficient atmospheres; and

WHEREAS, Grain production, handling and transportation is a
significant industry in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Due to increased training and more public awareness, deaths
from grain bin entrapments declined until 2014; that year saw 38
documented entrapments nationally, resulting in 17 deaths; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, there were 61 documented cases, an increase of 13%
over the 54 cases reported in 2017, and of these cases, there were 30
documented grain entrapment cases; furthermore, 50% of the 30 victims
entrapped in grain ended up being a fatality; and

WHEREAS, Grain operators, farmers and employees are encouraged to
help reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated
with grain handling and storage through education and awareness of
hazards and safe work practices; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 18-24, 2024, as
Grain Bin Safety Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.