Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1588375.015 - Semo Milling, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Saint Louis Area Office

Investigation Summary

The gravity fed chute/spout was connected to the grain elevator leg to Grain Silo #2. The chutes lower end was attached by bolts to the grain bin lid. The lid rested on top of the grain bin. An employee was standing on the lid on top of Grain Silo #2. The employee was not wearing any PFAS. There was a guardrail system encompassing the top of the grain bin. At approximately 3:00 p.m. on April 6, 2022, the employee removed an observation plate and chute choke indicator to look inside the gravity fed chute, which is located on the lower end of the chute, to find blockage using his phone and flashlight. He sent photos to the maintenance supervisor. At approximately 3:15 p.m., the supervisor requested the assistance of a crane service. The crane was on site at approximately 4:00 p.m. and conducted a lift test. At approximately 4:30 p.m., two other maintenance employees were lifted up in a man basket by the crane to the north side of chute for inspection and possible repair. At 5:00 p.m., the maintenance employees removed a section of the top plate and began to lower the plate to the employee, when the chute collapsed, subsequently falling. The employee and the chute/spout landed on the concrete ground between Grain Silo #1 and Grain Silo #2. The employee fell 95 feet to his death. The fatality was confirmed by North Scott County EMS.

Keywords: Concrete, Crane, Fall, Fall From Elevation, Fall Protection, Grain Bin, PPE Hazard Assessment, Silo