Christer B Jarlås, environmental prosecutor: "The central issue in our investigation is not the ignition itself, but the fact that the worker was unprotected."
– The central issue in our investigation is not that it ignited – but that the person working did not have protection, Jarlås states. The risk of an explosion was not included in the initial risk analysis that was conducted.
– It is quite complex, says Jarlås about determining ultimate responsibility for the accident. The explosion occurred in November last year at Northvolt during a filter change in a machine used for cleaning. A 25-year-old man was severely injured and died just over a month later.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, static electricity is a potential factor.
– We have investigated several possible ignition sources, but have not found the answer, explains Jarlås.
– We have only identified various possible factors, including the vacuum cleaner. We have done a lot and conducted analyses, but I can't speak about the exact findings.
One thing is clear, he says: something started burning and then exploded.
– The exact cause of the ignition is known only to one person, and he is dead, says Jarlås. The dust collector contained aluminum, which poses a risk of ignition.
– There were very small flakes of aluminum present, he says. Dust explosions, unfortunately, are not uncommon in industries handling flammable materials.
Jarlås emphasizes:
– In our investigation, the central issue is not that it ignited – but that the person working did not have protection.
If an explosion risk had been identified in the risk analysis that could have led to the use of protective equipment.
– These are conclusions that can be drawn from the risk assessment. It is highly likely that he would have survived if he had used protective equipment, says Jarlås.
Regarding Northvolt's responsibility, Jarlås explains:
– That is what we are investigating – how the risk analysis did not address this possibility, which actually occurred. We do not yet know exactly who did this and who ultimately decided that it would be this way. It is quite complex.
– Dust explosion experts from the consulting group were not involved in this specific analysis, though they did work on other areas of the factory.
– Someone must have concluded that there was no risk of explosions and fires here. We are looking for the person who did that, says Jarlås.
– Exactly where the responsibility lies remains to be seen. I thought it would be quite a quick process, but it wasn't.
The case is currently being investigated as a corporate offence due to a systemic failure involving numerous individuals responsible for the risk assessment, rather than an individual's actions. As a result, a corporate fine is likely, with no personal liability.
The amount of the fine will depend on the responsible party but will be in the millions due to the fatal outcome
Northvolt's head of communications, Matti Kataja, declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.