More inspections, more reporting, more training. That's among the 15 recommendations made by an Inquest jury into the deaths of three workers at a mushroom farm in Langley four years ago. Jim Sinclair, head of the BC Federation of Labour, says the findings, as long as they're implemented, will hold employers accountable, "We're hoping in the … [Read more...]
Testimony concludes at inquest into mushroom farm deaths
May 15, 2012 by
Testimony has concluded at the coroner's inquest into the 2008 deaths of three mushroom farm workers in Langley. A jury will now deliberate and come back with recommendations aimed at preventing a similar tragedy. Final witnesses included the widows of two of the men killed, ending with 16-year Tracey Phan, whose father was left severely brain … [Read more...]
Counting the hours to the conclusion of the mushroom inquiry
May 15, 2012 by
Despite speculation the inquest into the deaths of 3 mushroom farm workers may have to be extended a few days, the President of the BC Federation of Labour says testimony will wrap up Tuesday. That's one day more than was scheduled. Jim Sinclair was supposed to testify Monday but was pushed back to Tuesday, "The families will be given … [Read more...]
Inquest into mushroom farm deaths resumes with labour advocate
May 13, 2012 by
A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of three workers at a Langley mushroom farm in 2008 picks up Monday, with testimony from B.C.’s top labour advocate. Jim Sinclair's message is pretty simple: Hand out meaningful criminal penalties to employers who violate labour laws. "When there's clear negligence – not just an accident, but … [Read more...]
Inquest hears government took no formal action before mushroom farm deaths
May 11, 2012 by
It received numerous complaints about a mushroom farm in Langley, but the B.C. ministry of environment took no formal action before a tragedy in 2008. A regional manager says the department’s goal is to make sure violators stop, but John Braman admits no enforcement orders were carried out before three men were killed by toxic fumes. He says … [Read more...]
Emotions run raw at inquest into Langley Mushroom farm deaths
May 10, 2012 by
The apology from a witness during a Coroners inquest examining the deaths of three workers at a Langley mushroom farm has been interrupted by a grieving wife who accused him of being a liar. Thinh Doan wrapped up his testimony by telling the families of the victims he wanted to apologize a hundred times, a thousand times. But as he was … [Read more...]
RCMP locate key witness of mushroom farm inquest
May 9, 2012 by
A key witness -- who no-showed yesterday at a coroners' inquest in Burnaby -- has been located by the RCMP. Thinh Huudoan has been ordered to testify later today. He's a part owner of the Langley farm where three workers died and two others suffered permanent injuries after inhaling toxic fumes four years ago. RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen says Huudoan … [Read more...]
Inquest set for Monday in mushroom farm workers’ deaths
May 6, 2012 by
A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of three men, killed by a gas leak at a Langley mushroom farm in 2008, is set to begin Monday. Sixteen-year-old Tracey Phan, whose father was left brain-damaged in the same incident, says the inquest will give her family a place to rest. "We're stuck wondering what happened, who's telling the truth who … [Read more...]
Mushroom farm owners fined over deaths
November 25, 2011 by
SURREY, B.C. - Two companies and three owners of a Langley, B.C. mushroom farm where three men died after being overcome by toxic fumes have avoided jail time.Instead, the judge levied a total fine of $ 350,000.Investigators found that a pipe carrying a compost mixture broke at the plant in 2008, releasing toxic gas.A trio of fellow workers rushed … [Read more...]
Mushroom farm operators sentenced
November 25, 2011 by
The families of the three men killed and two left brain dead at a Langley mushroom farm three years ago are outraged their former employers won't spend any time behind bars. Instead the three operators of the two companies -- who pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of the workers -- have been fined $ … [Read more...]
