According to SSAB, the controls have not found any levels above the applicable limit values in air, gases or soil beyond what was previously known. Instead, they point to a combination of different causes.
The disease symptoms are believed to have arisen as a result of exposure to fine dust particles, which were exacerbated by low humidity and the presence of seasonal respiratory viruses, according to a press release from SSAB.
"Dust levels have been within normal levels for this type of workplace and not at elevated or toxic levels," the steel giant writes.
Since construction was paused on April 3, extensive measurements have been made on site. According to SSAB, they have carried out over 200,000 gas measurements, among other things.
The restart will begin in areas not affected by the reported disease symptoms, in stages starting on May 27.
SSAB says it continues to hold dialogue with subcontractors, the union and relevant authorities.
"Safety is always our first priority and therefore we will now open the construction site gradually in a controlled and safe manner," says Carl Orrling, Technical Director at SSAB, in the press release.
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.
TT has contacted SSAB, which declined to answer questions and referred to a press conference in Luleå at 11 am.
