In the last two weeks, the Swedish Work Environment Authority, the Police and the Swedish Tax Agency have carried out unannounced inspections in industries that are exposed to work-related crime.
Among other things, the authorities have inspected about 40 companies at construction sites in Kiruna and Gällivare where a number of large construction projects are underway in connection with the urban transformations.
More than half of the companies had security deficiencies.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority has so far required about 30 companies to rectify various shortcomings.
Serious fall risks
During the inspections, it was discovered that construction workers work at high altitudes without, or with inadequate, fall protection.
They are exposed to dangerous asbestos dust and quartz dust without having the right protective equipment, use machines without protection and are exposed to the risk of landslides.
Some fall risks were so serious that they led to an immediate ban on work.
- Unfortunately, this affects safety when there are many different subcontractors with hired staff and poor coordination.
We also see companies thumbs up on safety and allow staff to work at high altitudes without protection should they fall.
It is unacceptable, these companies are risking the lives of their workers.
No one should have to get sick, injured or die from the job, says Nadja Lukin, section manager at the Swedish Work Environment Authority's region north in a press release.
Suspected undeclared work
Suspected undeclared work has also been discovered after the Swedish Tax Agency checked the personnel files, where those who work on the buildings must be registered.
Several companies now risk having to pay an inspection fee.
- We discovered that there were people who were not logged in to the personnel log.
This may be an indication of undeclared work and that salaries are not reported, this is something we investigate further after the visits, says David Kunze, tax officer at the Swedish Tax Agency.