A swimming instructor died due to suspected chemical exposure at a gym where the pool maintenance was improperly managed by a valet instead of a trained professional.
Last Saturday, Juliana Faustino Bassetto, a 27-year-old swimming teacher, tragically died after a swimming class at a gym in Brazil. In addition, five other individuals, including a teenager and her husband, experienced symptoms of intoxication. Authorities are investigating the incident, speculating that the mishandling of chemicals used in pool maintenance near the swimming area may have contributed to the incident, particularly given the gym's poor ventilation.
Investigation revealed that the gym did not employ a qualified pool attendant. Instead, the pool maintenance was performed by Severino José da Silva, a 43-year-old valet who has been working at the gym for approximately three years. He stated that he followed cleaning instructions sent by one of the gym's owners via WhatsApp, indicating a troubling lack of oversight and proper training for safety protocols in a potentially hazardous environment.
This tragic event raises significant questions about workplace safety regulations and the legality of overlapping job functions. The legal implications of assigning pool maintenance duties to a valet, who was primarily employed as a parking attendant, could lead to broader discussions about employee responsibility and safety standards in gyms across Brazil. The situation highlights the importance of ensuring that qualified professionals are handling hazardous materials to prevent further tragedies in recreational facilities.
