SSAB steel plant in Luleå reports gas alarm and worker hospitalizations

A portable gas alarm at the SSAB steel plant construction site in Luleå triggered a medical emergency on Wednesday morning. Reports indicate that between seven and 14 workers from a sub-contractor sought medical evaluation at Sunderby Hospital following the alert.

While there were suspicions regarding the presence of hydrogen cyanide, SSAB stated that its fixed gas monitors did not confirm abnormal levels at the site. Most individuals were discharged from the hospital on the same day without diagnosed symptoms, though one person reportedly experienced a headache.

Work has been temporarily paused in the specific zone where the alarm occurred while safety teams evaluate the situation. Operations on the main construction site continue as normal. This incident follows previous health concerns at the site; since February, 34 cases of illness involving symptoms such as respiratory irritation and nausea have been reported. SSAB previously attributed such cases to exposure to fine dust particles.