The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has reported that at least twelve Polish workers have been exposed to dangerous concentrations of gases at a zinc smelter in Odda over the past three years. The incidents occurred, among other times, during the expansion of the Boliden plant. Several workers were hospitalized, and one case has been classified as a workplace accident. Inspectors detected serious shortcomings in safety and evacuation procedures.
Twelve affected workers
The Norwegian newspaper „Aftenposten”, citing inspection reports, revealed that at least 12 Polish workers were exposed to toxic gases at the smelter in Odda over the past three years. Some of them required hospitalization.
Serious safety gaps
The Labour Inspection Authority pointed out deficiencies in alarm and evacuation procedures. One accident occurred when a Polish installer, after initial evacuation, was sent back to the contaminated area where sulfur dioxide had been released.
Incidents during expansion
Most dangerous situations happened during the expansion of the plant owned by the Swedish conglomerate Boliden. This phase involves particular risk, as work is often conducted in close proximity to active industrial installations.
Media and public reaction
The case has sparked a series of publications in Polish media, which draw attention to the working conditions of Polish citizens abroad. Reports from the Norwegian press have been widely publicized, emphasizing the employer's responsibility.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and the newspaper „Aftenposten” have revealed details of a series of dangerous incidents that occurred at a zinc smelter in Odda. Over the past three years, at least twelve Polish workers employed in the expansion of the plant owned by the Swedish conglomerate Boliden were exposed to harmful gases, including sulfur dioxide. Several of them were hospitalized with serious symptoms such as severe headaches and shortness of breath. One case has been officially classified as a workplace accident.
Inspection reports from the Labour Inspection Authority clearly indicate systemic safety shortcomings. Serious deficiencies were identified in alarm procedures and evacuation plans. Particularly shocking is a case described by the media from April 2024. A Polish steel structure installer was evacuated after an initial threat but was then – most likely due to miscommunication or a decision by supervisors – sent back to the work site where sulfur dioxide had just been released. As a result, the man was hospitalized.
Boliden is a Swedish mining and smelting conglomerate with international operations, listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Its smelter in Odda is one of the largest zinc production plants in Europe. Polish workers have for years constituted a significant part of the workforce on Scandinavian construction sites and in industry, often taking on jobs in sectors considered difficult or dangerous.
The case, publicized by the Norwegian press, has prompted an immediate response in Polish media, which emphasize the need to ensure appropriate standards for protecting the health and lives of citizens working abroad. These reports are part of a broader discussion about the employment conditions of migrant workers in Europe. The Labour Inspection Authority is likely to issue specific recommendations or orders to the construction manager and Boliden, aimed at immediately rectifying the identified irregularities. Further steps will depend on the conglomerate's internal investigation and any potential claims from the affected workers.