Linn Andersson is site chief at Rönnskärsverken.
– An internal investigation was initiated as per routine immediately after the accident occurred, says Linn Andersson, site manager at Rönnskärsverken. She cannot explain how or why the accident happened until the investigation is completed.
– We have procedures in place for this type of work, and why they were insufficient in this case, I cannot say, she adds.
Clear protocols exist for working with sulphur dioxide, the gas that leaked, as it is considered hazardous. According to Andersson, no similar accident has occurred at the facility before.
– It’s always a failure when someone is injured at work, she says.
A woman was seriously injured in the gas accident and was taken to the emergency department at Skellefteå hospital.
The gas leak occured on a train wagon.
The emergency services responded to the alarm received by SOS at 9:20 a.m. on Friday.
She also notes that the company is maintaining regular communication with the injured woman and has received some encouraging updates from healthcare providers.
Following the sulphur dioxide leak, workers at Rönnskärsverken were evacuated to gas shelters. According to the site manager, the evacuation procedure, practiced annually, was carried out successfully.
– Our internal communication has been effective, and everyone has been kept informed and supported, says Andersson.
After the accident, the company engaged its occupational health services and distributed information about available support to all employees during the day. The closest colleagues to the accident victim were brought together, briefed on the support options, and provided with direct contact numbers for crisis assistance.
Plans to prevent similar accidents will be developed once the investigation’s findings are finalised.