The Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is facing serious scrutiny after four workers died at its Skellefteå factory. Another worker was seriously injured.
These incidents have led to calls for the factory to be shut down while investigations continue.
The Free Trade Union Movement reports that the youngest worker who died was just 19 years old. Northvolt has expressed deep regret over the deaths and is cooperating with the police investigation, which aims to find out what caused these tragedies.
Although the company claims that one death — believed to be a drowning accident — was not work-related, there are concerns that the factory’s use of strong chemicals could be linked to the fatalities.
Karin Broberg, a Swedish professor of environmental medicine, has publicly called for the factory to be shut down until more is known.
"We cannot afford to wait," she said, stressing the importance of taking precautionary steps while the investigation is ongoing.
The situation is also affecting Northvolt’s business. BMW has canceled a contract worth $2 million and Volkswagen is considering doing the same. These setbacks are adding to the pressure on the company as it faces growing concerns about the safety of its operations.
Meanwhile, Northvolt is not the only company grappling with serious issues. The world’s fourth-largest battery manufacturer, based in South Korea, has declared a state of emergency in a bid to turn its business around.
