Federal regulators have cited a grain storage facility in Red Cloud for three safety violations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed $144,400 in fines against CPI-Lansing, LLC.
Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator, says the company allowed workers to enter grain bins while sweep augers were operating. The practice is considered dangerous, and in some cases has led to serious injuries and death.
Regulators say the company failed to lock out the energy sources of mechanical equipment when the workers entered the bin, and didn't ensure that workers were using a body harness and lanyard while inside.
The CPI-Lansing facility provides storage and drying of grains, such as corn, beans and milo. It's a subsidiary of Cooperative Producers Inc., based in Hastings.
