In connection with groundworks at the construction site of SSAB's new steel mill in Luleå, a total of approximately 20 individuals employed by subcontractors have reported illness-like symptoms. A subset of these has sought medical attention. SSAB has initiated an extended measurement program to identify the root cause of the symptoms. All work at the construction site is paused as a safety measure. Steel production at the Luleå site is proceeding as normal.
A safe work environment is the highest priority for SSAB. SSAB has expanded its program for sampling and measurements in air, soil and equipment/ machinery. This includes an increased number of measurement points as well as additional resources to allow testing for and analysis of additional substances, with the aim of clarifying the cause of the reported symptoms. No deviating values have been detected.
SSAB continuously measures emissions from its existing operations in Luleå, and these remain on normal levels. In connection to the submission of the environmental permit application in 2022, more than 2,000 samples were analyzed at the construction site of the new steel mill.
The only measurements so far that have shown elevated levels (i.e., levels exceeding the Swedish Work Environment Authority's limit values) were recorded on April 2 inside a cab of a tractor doing excavation work where elevated values of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide were recorded. During these measurements, operators used fan-assisted respiratory protective equipment.
The Swedish Work Environment Agency and the Police have initiated investigations related to worker's safety at the construction site. SSAB will fully collaborate with all governmental investigations.
The cause(s) of the reported symptoms has not yet been identified. Some measurements provide immediate results, while others require further analysis. SSAB will communicate verified information on an ongoing basis as it becomes available on www.ssab.com.
To date, the incidents and the related stoppage have not had any material impact on the timeline or budget of the construction of the Luleå mini-mill or on the operational or financial performance of SSAB.
For further information, please contact:
Helena Norrman, EVP and Head of Group Communications, helena.norrman @ ssab.com,
phone: +46 730 66 53 46
Charlotte Lindevall, Head of External Communications, charlotte.lindevall @ ssab.com, phone: +46 703 44 59 73