– After the events that occurred at Northvolt during the spring and summer, but also because of the information that reached us via the media, tips and the police, we chose to do an unannounced inspection, says Madeleine Wahter, section manager at the Work Environment Agency, to SVT.
It was done above all to get the basis for another inspection.
Workplace accidents at Northvolt in Skellefreå
New workplace accident at Northvolt in Skellefteå
Center against workplace crime continues to audit Northvolt: “Always finds flaws”
– Wednesday’s inspection with the collection and clarification of information will be followed up by a pre-announced inspection at the beginning of September, she says.
Several authorities are investigating Northvolt
Among other things, the Swedish Work Environment Authority requested supplementary information in some of the cases in which they are involved, as well as received Northvolt and the union’s view on a number of events that have been reported in the media but not reported to the authority.
– We asked about how their ongoing investigations are going, says Madeleine Wather.
The battery factory in Skellefteå is being investigated by various authorities for a number of incidents and the Work Environment Agency is involved in several of them. On the other hand, the investigations into employees who have died in connection with work shifts are led by the police.
The company can prepare for the next inspection
Northvolt has been informed of the next inspection so that the company, safety representatives and other persons with relevant competences can participate and prepare.
The Swedish Work Environment Agency’s purpose with the inspections is to investigate which work environment procedures Northvolt has and how the company manages risks in its operations.
Northvolt has previously stated to SVT that the work environment is a high priority.
“Already from day one, new employees receive training in work environment and safety that is directly adapted to our business. Of course, we also ensure that all people have the protective clothing and equipment required for the specific role, task and area in which you work. Everything can always be improved, that is the basic premise of systematic work environment work,” wrote communications manager Matti Kataja to SVT.
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What has happened in the investigation surrounding Northvolt? See a summary in the video above. Photo: SVT