The Swedish Work Environment Authority demands an investigation after a new serious incident at the Northvolt factory in Skellefteå.
The incident occurred on 18 December and was reported the day after. According to sources speaking to Norran, there were two incidents on the day in question. In one case staff were to repair a filter but in the sluice room to exit the premises it was found that the clothes had been contaminated with N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, NMP, a toxic chemical that can harm the airways and result in skin corrosion.
In the second case a serious fall accident could have occurred as an employee was close to falling through a hatch which for some reason was open even though it should have closed automatically. The person managed to stop themselves from falling to the ground but injured their ribs in the accident. According to Matti Kataja, Northvolt’s head of communication for the Nordic countries, the person received help from their colleagues.
– As the employee was in pain he was sent to the hospital for a check-up. The hospital staff found that he had sustained an injury to his ribs but he could leave the hospital that same day. The accident has been reported to the Work Environment Authority and we are investigating it in accordance with our protocols. The second event is also under investigation in accordance with our protocols, says Matti Kataja to Norran.
The investigation shall be concluded on 10 January.