workplace safety - Investigate Midwest

‘Could have been a hell of a lot worse’: At Nebraska plant, ADM allowed dangerous dust to build up beyond safe levels, recordings show

In late 2022, Archer Daniels Midland’s Fremont, Nebraska, facility experienced a dust explosion. Days later, federal safety inspectors found some areas inside with about an inch of combustible dust — about eight times the acceptable limit.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 7 Jan 2026

‘Could have been a hell of a lot worse’: At Nebraska plant, ADM allowed dangerous dust to build up beyond safe levels, recordings show

‘I know I have a dust problem’: ADM repeatedly failed to prevent potentially deadly grain explosions

In the past several years, safety regulators have repeatedly told one of the world’s largest companies, Archer Daniels Midland, to implement prevention measures. It has not — with grave consequences.

By Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest

/ 21 May 2025

‘I know I have a dust problem’: ADM repeatedly failed to prevent potentially deadly grain explosions

JBS, Tyson Foods invest in smartwatch app that monitors workers

The watches continuously update safety and productivity metrics on a dashboard for supervisors.

By Madison McVan, Investigate Midwest

/ 13 Oct 2022

JBS, Tyson Foods invest in smartwatch app that monitors workers

Violence Against Emergency Room Staffers Seen as Increasing

Slaps, kicks, bites and curses are daily hazards faced by staff in hundreds of emergency rooms. And the threat of workplace violence seems to be getting worse.

By Eli Wolfe/FairWarning

/ 4 Oct 2018

Violence Against Emergency Room Staffers Seen as Increasing

Criminal Charges Filed Against Omaha Firm In Fatal Workplace Safety Case

The Justice Department announced a 22-count indictment Thursday against a Nebraska railroad services company and its owners related to an April 2015 explosion that killed two workers and seriously injured a third.

By Stuart Silverstein/FairWarning

/ 24 Aug 2018

Criminal Charges Filed Against Omaha Firm In Fatal Workplace Safety Case

A Second Chance: After life-changing injury, farmer-turned-researcher now teaches about agricultural dangers

In 1978, Robert "Chip" Petrea was injured while baling hay near his family's dairy farm located just outside Iuka, Ill. The injury resulted in double-above the knee amputations for Petrea. Less than a year removed from the amputations, Petrea began to farm again. Today, he serves as a principal rese

By Robert Holly

/ 16 Mar 2014

A Second Chance: After life-changing injury, farmer-turned-researcher now teaches about agricultural dangers

Firefighters learn the ropes of grain-bin rescues

On Sept. 17, 2013, Danville firefighters spent the day training for grain-bin rescues. Dave Newcomb, the agriculture rescue program manager for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, taught the intensive, eight-hour training course. The course included sessions on using grain-bin rescue tubes, sawing

By Robert Holly

/ 25 Sep 2013

Firefighters learn the ropes of grain-bin rescues

Video: Grain-bin rescue training

As harvest season approaches, rescue workers prepare themselves for the possibility of grain-bin entrapments. On Sept. 17, 2013, the Illinois Fire Service Institute and the Danville Fire Department met at a Bunge Milling facility for grain-bin rescue training. Dave Newcomb, agriculture rescue progra

By Darrell Hoemann, Investigate Midwest

/ 24 Sep 2013

Model Workplace Safety Program Includes Site of KS Death

Started in 1982, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) run by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration exempts selected sites from regular workplace safety reviews. These sites' safety protocols are thoroughly reviewed before they are accepted into the program. But in Kansas, and else

By Rick Babson

/ 9 Jul 2011

Questions Arise About Kansas Refineries

Three Kansas communities with a combined population equal to that of Lawrence are at risk of exposure to a chemical that can be 100 times more lethal than carbon monoxide. The substance is hydrofluoric acid, which is used to make high-octane gasoline, and according to worst-case estimates that oil r

By Mike Sherry

/ 24 Feb 2011