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May 16th, 2012 in Burnaby, BC, the Chief
Coroner signed his name, certifying jury recommendations
in the Mushroom Farm Inquest. This inquest probed into
the complicated composting system and mushroom farm
construction project, where three workers accidently
died and two workers were left permanently brain injured
when they unknowingly entered a confined space.
Even though the owners of the mushroom farm in the
Township of Langley, BC were repeatedly warned about
their composting system being potentially dangerous,
work continued. The site included a compost facility
that converted chicken manure, straw, gypsum and water
into fertilizer.
Initially, problems started in 2005 when the water
recycling system was being constructed; it didn't
include measures to keep straw and other materials from
entering and clogging the tanks and pipes.
Essentially, with too many agencies, multiple
construction companies and engineers overseeing various
stages of building plans,
and inefficient employee safety training; this mushroom
farm became a dangerous and ultimately fatal place to
work.
The jury cited 15 recommendations of which included:
mandatory safety training in various languages, increase
the number of agricultural inspectors / prevention
officers and equip ambulances with an Atmosphere Test
Meter.
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