Grain entrapment deaths dropped sharply in 2011, according to researchers at Purdue University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

The 47 percent decline is being credited to OSHA's increased enforcement and outreach. The change marks a significant drop from 2010's record high of 51 entrapments, including 26 fatalities.

While entrapment data for 2011 is not yet complete, the Purdue researchers believe OSHA's enforcement and outreach efforts are to thank for a noticeable decrease in the number of entrapment incidents in 2011. In addition to improvements in the quality of stored grain, OSHA's efforts, including enforcement measures at commercial facilities, have heightened awareness of the dangers of engulfment in grain storage bins. Click here to read the full report on Purdue's 2011 Summary of Grain Entrapments in the United States.

Suffocation is a leading cause of death in grain storage bins. To learn more, visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page.