Skanska fully supports personnel charged in Hallandsåsen ridge project

Skanska fully supports personnel charged in Hallandsåsen ridge project

• It is regretful that two of our employees are now being charged for violations of work environment laws in conjunction with the environmental accident at the Hallandsåsen tunnel construction project. We are convinced that they will be acquitted and will provide them full support, prior to, during and after the trial.

This declaration was made by Per-Ingemar Persson, President of Skanska Sweden, in statement regarding two employees in Skanska's project organization at Hallandsåsen now being included among those charged in the legal proceedings surrounding the environmental accident in 1997.

• The accident at Hallandsåsen was caused by the sealing agent Rhoca-Gil. Skanska cannot escape the fact that we relied on information from the manufacturer Rhone-Poulenc - information which proved to be misleading, incorrect and incomplete. However, we do not consider that our two employees committed any crime, Persson continued.
• Skanska deeply regrets the environmental accident at Hallandsåsen and the subsequent consequences of the accident, for residents in the area and for our employees involved in the tunnel project. The total of 22 tunnel workers who experienced adverse effects due to the use of Rhoca-Gil received support and assistance as well as compensation from Skanska. Today, 20 of them are free of any symptoms, says Per-Ingemar Persson.

Since the accident occurred, Skanska has worked intensively to convert the experiences from the environmental accident into practical environmental efforts. During 1999 a new environmental management system will we implemented throughout the Group and all units will be environmentally certified during 2000. A new control system for chemicals is also being established to prevent harmful substances, such as Rhoca-Gil, from being used in the future.

Malmö, May 3, 1999

SKANSKA SVERIGE AB
Information

For additional information, contact:
Per-Ingemar Persson, CEO Skanska Sweden AB,
Tel +46 40-14 40 00
Lisa Lindh, Information Manager Skanska Sweden AB,
Tel +46 40-14 40 00 or +46 70-600 60 55