Heatwave at Saltvik Prison: Safety Concerns Rise Amidst Failing Ventilation

Employees at the high-security Saltvik prison are sounding the alarm over an unsustainable working environment. The ventilation system is malfunctioning, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius.

"This poses an extreme safety risk. We are completely exhausted, and the inmates become even angrier," says an employee.

Saltvik, located outside Härnösand, is a maximum-security facility housing the most dangerous criminals. The prison has 141 regular places but is currently overcrowded, with extensive surveillance and high walls and fences.

Employees at the facility are now warning of significant safety risks due to recurring ventilation problems. According to an anonymous correctional officer, both staff and inmates endure nearly 30-degree temperatures daily.

"This is an extreme safety risk. We perform our duties and handle alarm situations in nearly 30-degree indoor heat. We have to wear thick pants and sweaters, and we are completely exhausted. The inmates also become angrier than they already are," the person says.

Nearly 40 Degrees

The employee works in building five, where the problems are reportedly worst. Nearly 100 inmates are housed there, and over 30 correctional officers work in the department.

According to the employee, many staff members are upset and feel that management is not taking the problems seriously.

"Several people working there have had to go home because of the heat. You get headaches, feel nauseous, and can't go to work because nothing works. It's a class one facility. These things should just work."

Temperatures of nearly 40 degrees were recorded in the department this week, according to the union.

"The staff has confirmed to me that it was nearly 40 degrees and that it's so hot you can't stand it," says Peter Hemström, chairman of the Seko union at the facility.

Problems for Several Years

According to the union, ventilation problems have been recurring for several years.

The situation is worst in the summers.

"We have been working on this for several years and have pointed it out to the employer. Changes have been made to the ventilation, but we don't think it's enough, especially now that we have overcrowding. We see it as a work environment problem for both employees and clients," says Peter Hemström.

The union believes that the Swedish Prison and Probation Service is avoiding responsibility by referring to the property manager, Specialfastigheter.

"The Swedish Prison and Probation Service has the main responsibility for the work environment. They must influence Specialfastigheter. At the same time, the property owner says they have conducted measurements and that it is okay according to their standards," says Peter Hemström.

Considering Work Environment Measures

The union is now considering taking further action.

This must go through the safety representatives, who can send a reminder about work environment measures to the employer. The employer then has a certain time to respond or take certain actions.

If this does not happen, the safety representatives can contact the Swedish Work Environment Authority, which can issue a fine.

"I think it's serious enough that it would be appropriate to send a reminder," says Peter Hemström.

Swedish Prison and Probation Service: Technical Problems

The management at Saltvik does not want to respond to the criticism about the recurring ventilation problems but provides the following comment:

"It was likely a lightning strike yesterday or last night, which we discovered when a backup unit started. In one department, the ventilation went down this morning. Specialfastigheter has addressed this during the morning.

We have had some technical issues today, and when such things happen, we switch to manual routines," says Mikael Ringberger, spokesperson for the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.