In total, around 25 people at the construction site have suffered from various symptoms since work began last fall.
Work was therefore stopped completely on April 3.
According to SSAB, however, the controls have not found any levels above applicable limit values in air, gases or soil beyond what was previously known. Instead, they point to a combination of different causes.
Comprehensive measurements
"The overall analysis is that these symptoms are due to a combination of fine dust, low humidity and seasonal respiratory viruses," Carl Orrling, technical director at SSAB, said at a press conference.
Since construction was paused, extensive measurements have been made on site. According to SSAB, they have carried out over 200,000 gas measurements.
The restart will begin in stages starting on May 27 in areas not affected by the reported symptoms.
“Controlled restart”
SSAB says it is continuing to hold talks with subcontractors, the union and relevant authorities.
"It will be a very controlled restart, area by area, in collaboration with the contractors involved," Carl Orrling said.
It has previously been reported that around 25 workers have fallen ill with various symptoms in connection with earthworks at the site. These have mainly involved people driving vehicles, but office workers have also been affected.
One of the sick workers had toxic gases in his blood, his employer previously told SVT.
Since last year, SSAB has been carrying out groundwork for the construction of a steel mill on Svartön in Luleå.
However, work was completely paused on April 3 after several reported cases of illness at the construction site.
A total of about 25 cases have been reported, of which seven people are reported to have sought medical care.
SSAB announced on Tuesday that a controlled restart of construction will take place starting Wednesday, May 27.
According to the company, no measurement results have shown concentrations above applicable limit values.
According to the analysis, the symptoms are caused by a combination of different factors, with dust particles from construction work as the primary factor.
Source: SSAB.
