Workplace safety is a cornerstone of modern industry, especially in high-tech sectors like battery production.
When three employees from Northvolt, a major Swedish battery producer, passed away unexpectedly within months, concerns about potential workplace hazards sparked an official investigation.
After months of scrutiny, Swedish authorities have now closed the case, ruling out any link between the deaths and Northvolt’s factory operations.
The investigation began after three Northvolt workers, aged between 19 and 60, died at home in separate incidents earlier this year, according to Hotnews.
The first death occurred in January, followed by the second a month later. The third took place in June, just after the individual had completed a shift at the Northvolt Ett factory in Skellefteå, northern Sweden.
No Crime Suspected
Police concluded there was no foul play and no connection to hazardous substances at the factory.
"We examined various aspects, including substances known to be used at Northvolt, and could not conclude that they were exposed to anything that could cause their deaths," lead investigator Johan Stabbfors told Reuters.
Despite the thorough probe, authorities were unable to determine an exact cause of death for the three workers. Consequently, the case has been closed.
"There are no suspicions of crimes or indications that the deaths were caused by exposure to hazardous substances," police stated in their report.
The deaths raised significant concerns earlier this year, given the workers’ relatively good health before passing away.
A fourth Northvolt employee died in August from drowning in an unrelated incident, further intensifying scrutiny around workplace conditions.
Northvolt welcomed the findings, emphasizing its commitment to employee safety. The company’s spokesperson noted that internal investigations aligned with police conclusions:
"The deaths were not related to the workplace." The company added, "Safety is our top priority, and we aim to improve our already strong safety standards."
Union representatives expressed relief over the findings but stressed the need for continuous improvements to the working environment. Mikael Stenmark, a union safety official, said the results offer closure while highlighting the importance of ongoing safety measures.
