Polish workers injured in incidents at Norwegian zinc plant in Odda, April 2024.
Irregularities at Work
Norwegian authorities identified failures in gas detection, alarm procedures, and evacuation at the zinc plant in Odda. An internal report found a Polish worker should not have been returned to a hazardous area after evacuation, leading to sulfur dioxide exposure and hospitalization.
Later, eight Polish workers suffered mercury poisoning, and an electrician reported breathing difficulties and nausea from toxic fumes. At least 12 Poles were affected overall. The company pledged to strengthen procedures, purchase gas detectors, and improve warning systems, with a control planned for late February.
Accidents in Norway
Norwegian Statistical Office reported 25 fatal work accidents in 2024. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for the most deaths, followed by transport and storage (6 fatalities), and manufacturing (4 fatalities). Two fatal accidents occurred in the construction sector.
