Labor Superintendence investigates death of intoxicated workers in MG

The Regional Labor Superintendence in Minas (SRT-MG) is investigating the causes of an accident that killed three workers in Varjão de Minas, a municipality close to Patos de Minas, in the Northwest of Minas Gerais. They were victims of suffocation by toxic gas in a slurry pit at Fazenda São João, owned by DB Agropecuária, located at KM 351 of BR-365, in the rural area of ​​the city. The men, aged 34, 36 and 37, were buried this Saturday afternoon (4/5), in the Varjão de Minas Municipal Cemetery.

The rescue was carried out by the Fire Department, but, according to SRT-MG, there is still no information on the use of appropriate safety equipment for activities in confined spaces, as characterized at the scene of the incident. The superintendency sent inspectors to check the conditions at the site and the circumstances of the deaths. New information will be released after the auditors’ work.

According to the incident report, the first worker to enter the pit would be unblocking pig farm waste. A co-worker tried to rescue him but also lost consciousness. As a result, a third worker, to help the others, also entered the pit and passed out. Help was requested by other workers, who did not allow anyone else to enter the pit.

Using appropriate equipment (protective clothing and breathing apparatus), firefighters accessed the victims safely and tied them down to remove them. The company’s winch was used to support the lifting of workers.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers were subsequently carried out, but the workers were certified dead by the doctor from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) while still on site. Civil Police expertise was also called. DB Agropecuária lamented the deaths in a statement.

*With information from Ivan Drummond and Bruno Luis Barros