Accident Commission: 'Trying to Create a Picture of Illness Cases at SSAB'

Sweden's Accident Investigation Authority is examining illness cases that have affected workers at SSAB's construction site in Luleå. The authority is currently conducting a preliminary study to determine if a formal investigation is necessary into the health issues reported by workers, which include headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, and lung problems. Kristina Börjevik Kovaniemi, the investigation's chair, stated, "We are trying to find out what happened and assess if it falls within our area of investigation. We do not have a formal investigation, I want to be very clear about that. We are talking to the affected parties and trying to get a picture of the events."

Workers at the SSAB site have experienced various symptoms since spring. The company reported 34 health incidents. SSAB stated on Tuesday that the construction site for the electro-steel plant would gradually reopen. The company's preliminary conclusion attributes the symptoms to "exposure to fine dust particles, which were amplified by low humidity and the presence of seasonal respiratory viruses."

“

We are trying to find out what happened and assess if it falls within our area of investigation. We do not have a formal investigation, I want to be very clear about that. We are talking to the affected parties and trying to get a picture of the events.

The County Administrative Board in Norrbotten, which has supervisory responsibility for SSAB's operations, has also been visited by the Accident Investigation Authority. Sabina Hoppe, head of the environmental protection unit, noted, "We have participated in providing our perspective on it: what we have requested, what we have received, how we think it has worked and if we have any feedback." Hoppe added that the board was surprised when SSAB announced the resumption of work in the area, which had been closed since early April. A police investigation into suspected work environment crimes is ongoing, alongside the Arbetsmiljöverket's probe into the illnesses.

“

We have participated in providing our perspective on it: what we have requested, what we have received, how we think it has worked and if we have any feedback.