Sweden's Work Environment Authority has sharply criticized Region Gävleborg for an inadequate work environment investigation following the murder of ambulance worker Helena Löfgren in Harmånger. The agency demands a new, more concrete probe by February 23, or faces fines. Meanwhile, prosecutors are appealing the sentence against perpetrator Liam Hast to seek life imprisonment instead of 18 years.
On September 20, ambulance staff were attacked in Harmånger, Gävleborg, during a callout. Ambulance worker Helena Löfgren was stabbed and died from her injuries. The perpetrator, 26-year-old Liam Hast, was later sentenced by Hälsingland District Court to 18 years in prison for murder. Prosecutors believe the sentence is too lenient and have appealed to the Court of Appeal, seeking life imprisonment. In the appeal, they emphasize that Hast did not act in the heat of the moment but deliberately armed himself and waited for the staff.
In the aftermath, attention has turned to the work environment for ambulance personnel. Region Gävleborg's investigation into the incident is deemed inadequate by the Work Environment Authority. Rather than a deep analysis of underlying causes, the report contains vague phrases about 'reviewing routines and work methods'. 'The investigation is substandard', says Anders Ringqvist, section chief at the Work Environment Authority. 'Reviewing things is not concrete enough.' The agency now demands a new probe with specific action plans to prevent similar incidents.
Region health and medical care director Martin Andersson responds in a press release: 'We have taken note of their comments and will follow up with them. Once the decision is made and our own investigation is complete, we will report on the measures important for securing our employees' work environment.' The region has until February 23 to submit the new investigation, or it risks financial penalties. 'So if they submit it on time with an investigation we approve, no fine will apply', adds Ringqvist.
