MONTREAL – A Quebec coroner is emphasizing the urgent need for the province's professional farmers association to enhance its educational initiatives regarding the risks associated with slurry pits. This call comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving a couple in Ste-Christine, Quebec, who lost their lives due to asphyxiation caused by exposure to hydrogen sulphide in a manure pit.
Coroner Nancy Bouchard made this recommendation after releasing her reports on the couple’s deaths, which occurred after a series of unfortunate events on October 4, 2024. A 44-year-old farmer reportedly descended a ladder into the slurry pit of his farm, presumably to conduct repairs, as he was found to have tools with him.
The coroner noted that while the man was inside the pit, his 40-year-old partner attempted to rescue him after discovering he was unconscious. Tragically, she lost consciousness while climbing down the ladder and fell backwards onto his body. Emergency responders later declared the man deceased at the scene, while the woman succumbed to her injuries 18 days later in the hospital.
In her findings, Bouchard pointed out the dangers posed by manure pits, which can contain hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. The combination of these gases, particularly in environments with a deficiency of oxygen, can lead to fainting in mere seconds and potential death in just minutes, highlighting the critical need for safety measures and education within the farming community.
The coroner's report underscores the lack of awareness about these dangers among farmers and calls on professional agricultural organizations to take more substantial steps in informing their members about the risks associated with working in and around slurry pits. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and education in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
This incident not only mourns the loss of two lives but also emphasizes the necessity for increased training and awareness in the farming sector, particularly regarding hazardous working conditions. The coroner's recommendations aim to ensure that such fatalities are avoided in the future as farmers engage with potentially dangerous environments like slurry pits.
